Germany and Ukraine have signed new defence deals covering missiles, drones and air defence. Berlin also backed Kyiv’s EU bid and called for the release of EU funds to strengthen Ukraine’s long-term security.
Germany says its troop deployment in Lithuania shows commitment to NATO’s eastern flank. A new brigade aims to strengthen deterrence against Russia and reinforce security in the Baltic region.
Russia is earning billions as the Hormuz blockade pushes up global oil and gas prices, a German trade body says. Higher prices boost Moscow’s revenues while raising costs for Europe’s economy.
Germany’s defence minister has criticised Donald Trump for treating Vladimir Putin “like a buddy” and cutting support for Ukraine. Boris Pistorius said backing Kyiv remains vital as Russia’s war enters its fourth year.
The UK government has launched Project Nightfall to develop a new ground-launched ballistic missile for Ukraine with a range of more than 500 kilometres. The programme aims to deliver test missiles within 12 months and support long-range strike capability and comes as Russia carried out a strike on Ukraine last week using the Oreshnik system.
Finland’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention has formally taken effect, six months after notification was submitted to the United Nations. The decision allows Finland to plan for the reintroduction of landmines while maintaining its international legal obligations. Poland, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia, which also share borders with Russia, have already completed their withdrawal from the treaty.
The Kremlin has rejected calls for a Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine, saying it wants to end the war rather than pause fighting. The response followed an appeal by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after peace talks in Berlin.
Germany’s parliament will consider spending around €50 billion on defence this week, covering major arms procurement for the Bundeswehr, including Arrow 3 and Patriot air defence systems and Puma infantry fighting vehicles.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said any European protection force for Ukraine would depend on Russia’s response and unresolved legal and command issues, following talks in Berlin for a force to help secure a possible ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a U.S. delegation arrived in Berlin for talks on a possible ceasefire in Ukraine, meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz ahead of discussions involving European partners. Russian officials have expressed skepticism about the talks, which will continue on Monday.
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.
Foreign policy advisers from the United States, Ukraine, Germany and other partners are set to resume talks on a possible peace framework for Ukraine in Berlin, according to government sources. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to take part, with discussions following several earlier rounds of negotiations since November. The talks come as diplomatic efforts continue alongside ongoing fighting, with both Russia and Ukraine reporting casualties from drone and missile strikes.
Global defence revenues surged to a record $679 billion in 2024, driven by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and rising geopolitical tensions, according to new SIPRI data. The world’s 100 biggest arms makers saw sales grow 5.9 percent, with strong increases in Europe and steady dominance by U.S. firms. SpaceX entered the Top 100 for the first time, while China posted a rare decline due to procurement disruptions.
Rheinmetall aims to expand its annual turnover to around €50 billion by 2030, CEO Armin Papperger told analysts during the company’s Capital Markets Day in Unterlüss, with the German defence contractor experiencing a sharp rise in revenue since the war in Ukraine, driven by growing orders for artillery, ammunition, air defence systems and tanks.
Germany’s coalition government has agreed on a new military service model that begins as a voluntary programme but allows parliament to introduce conscription if recruitment falls short.
