Get the best experience by installing our app!

Putin's Moves Challenge Europe's Security

A new agreement was signed by John Healey, the UK's Defense Secretary, and Boris Pistorius, Germany's Defense Minister.

0:00

With new military agreements and threats from Putin, Europe must strengthen its defenses. More support for Ukraine is essential for its success.

More topics for you.
This topic continues below.

US Defense Department making plans to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria

Europe is facing a tough time. Recent actions by Russian President Vladimir Putin show that we need to be ready for anything. This situation means Europe must work harder to keep everyone safe.

New Agreement Between the UK and Germany

A new agreement was signed by John Healey, the UK's Defense Secretary, and Boris Pistorius, Germany's Defense Minister. 

This agreement helps bring back the strong friendship between the UK and Germany’s military. This friendship has weakened since the Cold War ended. Back then, about 55,000 British soldiers were stationed close to German forces, which made cooperation easier.

This new agreement is like one made with France called the Lancaster House agreement and another one between France and Germany called the Aachen agreement. These agreements are essential. 

But we must remember that our commitment to NATO is even more important. NATO is the foundation of Europe’s safety. The U.S. elections on November 5 could affect how much support the U.S. will give NATO. Whether Trump or Harris wins, European countries need to take more responsibility for their own safety.

Concerns Among Baltic States

Recent events have worried countries like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This worry is why Sweden and Finland have chosen to join NATO now. 

Poland is also working to have the largest army in Europe. The threat of further attacks from Putin's Russia is serious and cannot be ignored.

Agreements between countries, like the one signed today, help NATO members work together better. 

For example, letting German surveillance planes use RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland makes sense. The deal with Rheinmetall to build artillery gun barrels in the UK shows a strong step in improving defense. 

Also, working together on drone technology responds to the challenges in Ukraine. There are plans to develop new long-range weapons, which are essential for future defense.

Supporting Ukraine in War

While these agreements are important, we need to focus on helping Ukraine become strong in the ongoing war. 

Now in its third year, this war has been very hard for Ukraine. Russian forces are gaining ground in eastern Ukraine, partly because they get help from countries like China, Iran, and North Korea.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has shared his plan for victory. But this plan needs more support from allies to work. Limits on using long-range weapons, like Storm Shadow missiles, make it harder for Ukraine to fight back. A big question remains: have Ukraine’s allies done enough to support it?

Right now, it looks very hard for Ukraine to completely defeat Russian forces. But helping Ukraine get stronger is key for any future peace talks.

The Funding Challenge for the UK

A big issue for the UK is money. Agreements with allies are helpful, but they can't replace having enough funds for our own military. 

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) is currently happening and will share important plans. But like other reviews in the past, it will not work if the government doesn’t give it enough money.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will show her plans in the upcoming budget. A promise to spend 2.5% of the country’s money on defense by a set date would be a good start. 

However, many people will probably ask for this number to go up to 3% or even 3.5% so the UK can fully help with Europe’s security.

 

Join with us

Send

Subscribe Now

Keep updated with the latest news!