Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected a proposal for special EU associate status and renewed calls for full membership, saying Ukraine should have equal rights and a complete role within the bloc.
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’s chancellor said Ukraine’s path to EU membership is key to ending the war with Russia and suggested ‘part of Ukrainian territory will no longer be Ukrainian.’
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
