Tag: Russia–Ukraine war

Germany Sets Up Draft Centres

German soldiers taking their oath of service during a ceremony | File Photo: Jens Kalaene/dpa

Germany is preparing 24 new centres to assess young volunteers for military service as Berlin expands the Bundeswehr under new conscription measures linked to NATO goals and the Ukraine war.

Germany Orders €1B Rheinmetall Gear

The logo of the Rheinmetall armaments group stands at the company's stand during the Enforce Tac trade fair for security and defence on February 23, 2026, at Nuremberg, Bavaria | File Photo: Daniel Karmann/dpa

Germany has ordered €1 billion in infantry equipment from Rheinmetall, including protective gear and digital systems. The package aims to improve coordination and battlefield awareness for thousands of soldiers.

Germany Signs €111B Defence Deals Since 2022

155 millimetre artillery shells stored in a Rheinmetall factory | File Photo: Wolf von Dewitz/dpa

Germany has signed defence contracts worth €111 billion since 2022 under its military overhaul. The government increased spending after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but faces criticism over transparency.

German Military Steps Up School Outreach

Field jackets hanging at the Bundeswehr stand on August 21 2025 in North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne as the German army looks for new recruits at the Gamescom computer games fair | File Photo: Oliver Berg/dpa

Germany’s military made over 2,000 school visits in early 2026 as part of a recruitment drive. The outreach follows new service measures and NATO targets, but critics warn it may increase the military’s influence in schools.

UK to Send 120,000 Drones to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a briefing on drones on January 16, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine | File Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

The United Kingdom will supply at least 120,000 drones to Ukraine in 2026 as part of a wider military support programme. The package includes strike, reconnaissance and logistics drones, alongside artillery and air defence support.

Neutral Swiss to Revise Security Strategy as Threats Grow

Swiss military personnel: Last month, the Swiss defence ministry said conscripts in its military numbered around 146,700 as of March 01, 2025 but sufficient numbers of new personnel could not be guaranteed because of premature departures from service | Photo: Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS)

Switzerland has launched a consultation on a revised security policy strategy, citing a deteriorating security environment in Europe, rising hybrid threats including drone incursions, and growing uncertainty over the future of European defence. The consultation will run until March 31, 2026. Switzerland typically produces a security policy report every four to ten years.

Merz: Ukraine’s counter covers territorial concessions

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz takes part in the press briefing on the results of the consultations following the coalition committee in the Chancellery | Photo: Michael Kappeler/dpa

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Ukraine’s response to the revised US peace plan addresses the issue of potential territorial concessions — a central obstacle in efforts to end Russia’s war. European leaders have invited the US to discuss the proposal this weekend, with further talks possible in Berlin, next week.