Defence ministers from Germany, France, Poland, Italy, and the UK convene in Berlin today to address escalating security challenges in Europe, including Russia’s deployment of a new medium-range missile.
The meeting, chaired by Germany’s Boris Pistorius, includes France’s Sébastien Lecornu, the UK’s John Healey, Poland’s Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, and Italy’s Guido Crosetto. The discussions are expected to focus on bolstering European defence capabilities in light of recent developments in Ukraine and Russia’s aggressive military strategies.
The missile, named “Oreshnik” (hazel tree) by Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been described as a hypersonic weapon, reportedly capable of evading anti-aircraft systems and potentially carrying nuclear warheads. Putin celebrated the missile’s capabilities, declaring it ready for mass production following a test strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro last Thursday.
The defence ministers’ talks also come ahead of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has criticized NATO and urged Europe to increase its defence spending. Trump is anticipated to reduce military aid to Ukraine, potentially shifting the dynamics of European security.
Ukraine, backed by recent U.S. and UK arms support, has intensified its strikes on Russian military sites using ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles. However, Russia’s response with the “Oreshnik” missile highlights a growing threat that European leaders are eager to address.
The meeting underscores Europe’s urgent need to adapt its defence policies to counter emerging risks and maintain collective security amidst escalating tensions in the region.
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