Poland is demanding a larger role in efforts to end the Ukraine war, arguing that countries closest to Russia face the greatest security risks. Warsaw wants a seat alongside Germany, France and Britain in future talks.
Germany’s new armoured brigade in Lithuania has completed its first live-fire exercise, bringing together nearly 3,000 troops and 800 vehicles from eight NATO nations as the alliance strengthens its eastern defences.
Germany believes talks with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine could become possible in the coming months. European governments are discussing who could represent them in negotiations as U.S.-led efforts remain stalled.
NATO has launched the BALTOPS naval exercise in the Baltic Sea, involving more than 6,000 personnel, 30 vessels and 15 countries. The drills focus on protecting maritime traffic, freedom of navigation and regional security.
Germany and the Netherlands will jointly lead a new NATO command centre in Estonia from mid-2026. The headquarters will oversee exercises and help coordinate defence operations on NATO’s eastern flank.
Germany is preparing legislation that would require military reservists to take part in training exercises during peacetime. The move is part of plans to expand reserve forces and strengthen military readiness.
German troops, Leopard tanks and other military equipment have arrived in Lithuania for the first major exercise involving Germany’s new brigade. The Freedom Shield drill brings together NATO forces to train near Russia’s borders.
Rostec has started flight testing the Ka-226T helicopter fitted with the Russian-made VK-650V engine. The first 20-minute test flight evaluated stability, controllability, and engine integration with onboard systems.
Norway and France have signed the Narvik Agreement, a bilateral defence pact covering mutual military assistance, Arctic cooperation, defence industry ties and participation in French-led nuclear deterrence talks.
Russia’s Su-57D has completed its first test flight, marking the debut of what is considered the world’s first two-seat fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The new variant is intended to combine combat, training and command-and-control roles, including management of operations involving manned and unmanned aircraft.
The UK Ministry of Defence said an RAF Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft was repeatedly intercepted by Russian Su-35 and Su-27 fighter aircraft over the Black Sea during a routine flight in international airspace, prompting diplomatic action with the Russian Embassy.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed a new EU “associate member” status for Ukraine that would bring Kiev closer to EU institutions and security arrangements while delaying full membership rights.
Russia said it had successfully tested the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile during a launch overseen by the Strategic Missile Forces. President Vladimir Putin said the system would enter combat duty by the end of the year, according to a Kremlin transcript.
Germany and Ukraine will expand defence cooperation with joint work on drones, air defence and battlefield systems. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius described the relationship as a long-term strategic partnership.
Global military spending reached $2.89 trillion in 2025, according to SIPRI, marking the 11th consecutive annual increase. Growth was driven by higher expenditure in Europe and Asia, while US spending declined due to reduced military aid approvals.
