Defencematters.eu Correspondents
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Defencematters.eu Correspondents
Belgian Military Recruitment Surge Reflects Renewed National Confidence
Military recruitment across much of Western Europe is in decline as younger generations appeared increasingly detached from the idea of service, defence budgets languished and armed forces struggled to compete with the private sector for talent. Yet Belgium is now…
Drones Over Moscow Signal a Dangerous Shift for the Kremlin
The Kremlin has spent more than four years insisting that time is on Russia’s side. Yet the scenes unfolding across Moscow this weekend tell a rather different story. Hundreds of Ukrainian drones penetrated deep into Russian territory in what Russian…
Ukraine’s Refinery Strikes Put New Pressure on Russia’s Oil War Economy
A major fire at the Ryazan oil refinery has highlighted Ukraine’s expanding long-range drone campaign against Russian energy infrastructure, with Moscow facing growing disruption to refining capacity, fuel exports and military supply chains. Ukraine’s latest strike on the Ryazan oil…
Zelenskyy warning over Belarus puts NATO border states back on alert
Ukraine’s warning that Russia may seek to use Belarus for new operations against northern Ukraine or a NATO state has renewed attention on one of Europe’s most exposed security fault lines. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is seeking…
Trump Administration Halts Planned US Brigade Deployment to Poland Amid Wider European Troop Cuts
The cancelled rotation of more than 4,000 US troops has raised questions over Washington’s military posture in Europe and the future of deterrence on NATO’s eastern flank. The United States has halted the planned deployment of more than 4,000 troops…
Russian Missiles Used in Kyiv Strike Contained More Than 100 Western Components, Report Says
Ukrainian officials say Kh-101 cruise missiles used in the latest deadly strike on Kyiv were manufactured this year despite sanctions, raising further questions over Russia’s access to foreign microelectronics. Russian cruise missiles used in a deadly strike on Kyiv contained…
Drone strike on Ryazan refinery leaves city facing civilian and pollution risks
Regional authorities said three people were killed and 12 injured after drones struck Ryazan overnight. Unofficial accounts and geolocated footage indicate that the city’s major oil refinery was also hit, with residents later reporting black, sticky deposits on cars and…
Italy Faces Decision on EU Defence Loans as SAFE Deadline Approaches
Italy is under pressure to decide whether to draw on the EU’s Security Action for Europe loan instrument, with Rome eligible for around €14.9bn as Brussels seeks to accelerate joint defence procurement and industrial readiness. Italy is approaching a decision…
Tokyo Clearly Understands the Taiwan Threat Better Than Donald Trump Does
For decades, Japan’s post-war military posture was defined by restraint, caution and constitutional ambiguity. Yet in the increasingly dangerous waters of the western Pacific, a new realism is taking hold in Tokyo — and not a moment too soon. This…
Latvia’s Prime Minister Resigns After Coalition Breaks Over Drone Incidents
Evika Siliņa’s resignation brings down Latvia’s government months before parliamentary elections, following a coalition dispute over the handling of Ukrainian drone incidents and the dismissal of the defence minister. Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Siliņa has resigned, bringing down her centre-right…