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24 Feb 25. Germany’s Friedrich Merz promised to move swiftly to unite Europe and “achieve independence” from the US after his centre-right bloc won federal elections. (Source: FT.com)
20 Feb 25. Defence chiefs recruit diversity tsar ‘with spiritual edge’
Hiring comes amid pressure on Starmer to raise military spending to face Russian threats.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is hiring a diversity tsar with a “spiritual edge” even as Sir Keir Starmer faces pressure to increase military spending amid looming threats posed by Russia.
The role, advertised on the government website, states that the suitable candidate will be required to “constructively challenge and critique current practice” within diversity and inclusion and will be eligible for an annual salary of up to £38,790.
A vacancy for a “culture and inclusion lead” on a similar salary is also being advertised by the MoD, a role that includes organising “wellbeing events” and “wellbeing information sessions” for the department’s police force.
Steve Barclay, a Conservative MP and former Army officer, said: “At a time when the MoD budget needs to increase to respond to the increasing threats we face, it is crucial that officials show it is being effectively spent.
“This should prioritise military equipment and troop numbers, not woke hobby horses of officials miles from the front line.”
Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure to ramp up Britain’s defence budget as he considers a Europe-led peacekeeping force in Ukraine. In an article for The Telegraph on Sunday, Sir Keir announced he was “ready and willing” to put British boots on the ground in Ukraine “if necessary” to enforce any peace deal amid talks being thrashed out between Russia and the US.
However, Lord Dannatt, the former head of the Army, has claimed Britain’s military was “so run-down” it could not take a leading role in any deployment in Ukraine.
(Source: Daily Telegraph)
21 Feb 25. Estonia’s tech investors take defence into their own hands as Russian threat looms.
• Summary
• Estonia leads central, eastern Europe in defence tech funding
• Perceived Russia threat drives defence investment
• Region’s defence tech funding rounds tripled since 2022
• Estonia aims to boost defence tech sector to $2 bln by 2030
Estonia, a Baltic country of 1.4 million people that has long punched far above its weight in the tech sector, is now leading central and eastern Europe’s rush to fund defence projects spurred by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
It is not hard to see why.
While heightened security concerns have boosted defence investment across Europe, nowhere is Russia’s threat perceived so acutely as in Estonia and its Baltic neighbours, which border Russia and spent decades under Moscow’s rule during the Soviet Union era. (Source: Reuters)
20 Feb 25. Denmark to pass 3 percent GDP on defense over fear of Russian rearmament. European powers are still struggling to come to terms with the reality of urgently having to do more to protect the continent without relying on the US for renewed support.
Based on a strategic assessment that Russia could rearm faster than NATO should the war in Ukraine end or turn into a frozen conflict, Denmark says it plans on injecting an additional 50 billion DKK ($7 billion) to its defense budget over 2025-2026.
The uplift will see the Nordic nation exceed 3 percent GDP on military spending. In a translated statement from Wednesday, the government said the extra money will speed up the “building of the Armed Forces’ combat power,” and be drawn from an “Acceleration Fund.”
Copenhagen did not specify which weapon systems the new fund will be used to acquire, but laid out its security fears in clear terms.
The Danish Ministry of Defence “assesses that when the war in Ukraine stops or freezes and NATO does not arm itself at the same pace, Russia will be able to free up significant military resources and, within about 2 years, pose a credible threat to one or more NATO countries in the Baltic Sea region, if the US does not get involved,” it said.
The warning that Russia could rearm within two years is not out of step with comments from other regional officials. During a recent trip to Washington, Lt. General Carl-Johan Edström, Sweden’s Chief of Defense Staff, told Breaking Defense that it will take only a few years for Russia to rearm itself if the Ukraine conflict freezes.
“If you’re a country with the border to Russia, then you say two to three years. And if you’re really far away, then you say maybe five to 10 years,” he said. “You have to look at that perspective, maybe five years, maybe less. Not more.”
European powers are still struggling to come to terms with the reality of urgently having to do more to protect the continent without relying on the US for renewed support.
US President Donald Trump labelling Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator” and speculating that “he is not going to have a country left” have only heightened concerns in the region that Washington is prepared to negotiate a peace deal along pro-Russian lines and without any involvement from Kyiv or NATO allies.
“The current security situation demands political action from European allies,” Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said during a Wednesday press conference, according to a post on X.
Washington also continues to test bilateral relations with Copenhagen through its push to buy Greenland, which has included hints from Trump that he would be open to military action to take it over. The island is a self-governing territory that remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
“There is no single silver bullet. We have to look at this as a layered approach that we look at both really exquisite capability to get after a [UAS] threat, but also trying to get after more affordable capability,” Maj. Gen. David Stewart told Breaking Defense.
By Ashley Roque
In January, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen quashed the US military takeover idea, telling local broadcaster TV 2 “I don’t have the imagination to imagine us getting there.”
Copenhagen’s latest spending pledge comes after it also committed last month to spend $2.04 billion on new naval vessels, long-range drones and improved space capabilities in a bid to strengthen Arctic security.
(Source: Breaking Defense.com)
20 Feb 25. Ministry of Defence Statement on Conclusion of the Jaysley Beck Coroner’s Inquest.
A statement from the Minister for Veterans and People on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.
Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO, OBE, MC, said:” Our thoughts remain with Jaysley-Louise Beck’s loved ones at this difficult time. Jaysley was a young and promising soldier who should have had the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and safe environment. Her death was and still is a tragedy, and we are deeply sorry for the failure to protect her. I acknowledge what has been said in this inquest and the Army will now reflect on the evidence heard and the failings identified to learn lessons from the Coroner’s findings.”
The Army has accepted the failings identified by the Service Inquiry and responded to the recommendations to improve Service life across its culture, policies, and practices. Our Armed Forces play a vital role in protecting the nation and a range of substantive measures – many already introduced – will help to build a safer, more inclusive environment for our personnel, particularly for new recruits, and ensure that any concerns raised are listened to and swift appropriate action is taken.
Let me be clear: There is no place for any abuse or unacceptable behaviours within the military. This Government has stepped up efforts to bring about crucial reform and provide a place where people are proud to work and have faith in the service justice system. We will honour Jaysley’s legacy by ensuring this is done in the shortest possible time and in the most effective manner. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
20 Feb 25. Jaysley Beck dreamt of military career, but silent battle of harassment led to tragic death. Gunner Jaysley Beck was a dedicated soldier who had dreamed of a military career from a young age.
At just 16, she joined the Army and quickly gained the respect of her peers and superiors, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a passion for her role in the Royal Artillery.
Her family and those who knew her describe her as fiercely loyal, incredibly mature for her age, and deeply committed to her military career.
She was also a beloved daughter and sister to Emilli and was known as someone who always put others before herself.
Gnr Beck was more than just a dedicated soldier; she was a source of strength to those around her.
Her mother Leighann McCready said: “She was just so loving, really had a heart of gold, would do anything for anyone. She always looked out for others and put others before herself.
“She was a very witty girl, a very mature girl. She was passionate about her career and was a strong member of her family and a loving sister.”
Gnr Beck carried herself with grace and dignity, balancing a natural confidence with a deep humility that made her both respected and loved.
Yet, beneath this confident and driven exterior, Gnr Beck was facing a silent battle that would ultimately lead to a tragic end.
On 15 December 2021, she was found dead in her room at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire.
The Army service inquiry and inquest into her death uncovered the harrowing details of the harassment she endured, laying bare the systemic failures that contributed to her death.
At the hearing, Brigadier Melissa Emmett, head of the Army Personnel Support Group, issued a formal apology, admitting: “We let her down in so many ways for which we have already apologised, and if I can apologise again, for what it’s worth, I would do.”
She acknowledged that the Army had failed to provide Gnr Beck with a safe environment and that existing policies had not been enough to protect her.
The inquest at Salisbury Coroner’s Court heard that Gnr Beck had been subjected to persistent harassment by her immediate superior, Bombardier Ryan Mason, who sent her more than 1,000 WhatsApp messages and voicemails – a number that would increase to more than 3,500 the following month.
He pursued a romantic relationship with her, despite her clear disinterest and the fact that she was already in a relationship.
Gnr Beck, ever respectful of authority, found herself in an impossible situation.
Blocking him, as some might suggest, was not an option when the person harassing her was a superior officer.
The impact of this harassment on Gnr Beck was devastating.
Her mother recalled phone calls where her daughter expressed increasing distress.
“It was very apparent how it emotionally affected her,” she said. “For Jaysley to cry, something was really hurting her.”
Just a week before her death, she had left a work trip early due to his behaviour. A friend who picked her up described her as “trembling and shaking”.
But the harassment did not begin or end with this individual.
A previous incident in July 2021 further highlighted the toxic environment she was forced to navigate.
During an adventure training exercise at Thorney Island, another superior, Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber, allegedly pinned her down and attempted to kiss her.
A terrified Gnr Beck had called her friend in the middle of the night, in tears and afraid.
Despite her fear, she did not want to press formal charges, fearing backlash or jeopardising her career.
Instead, WO1 Webber, then aged 39, received nothing more than a minor sanction and was instructed to write her a letter of apology.
The Army’s failure to take meaningful action in this instance likely influenced her later decision to endure, rather than report, further harassment.
The inquest heard that it is an offence under the Sexual Offences Act for someone in a position of trust to have sexual activity with a person aged under 18.
But Gnr Beck’s experiences at Larkhill Camp were not isolated.
The inquest also heard damning evidence about the widespread culture of inappropriate sexual behaviour at the base.
Harassment and misconduct, especially towards female soldiers, were described as “commonplace among a significant minority of soldiers”.
The inquest heard testimony from former soldier Tamzin Hort, a close friend of Gnr Beck, who spoke of the “disgusting” comments and harassment women in the Army routinely faced from male colleagues if they rejected their advances, especially after they had been drinking.
Ms Hort described an environment in which female soldiers were subjected to relentless unwanted attention, degrading remarks, and, in some cases, outright harassment.
She recounted how Gnr Beck endured inappropriate comments about her appearance and felt unable to react for fear of making the situation worse.
“She was beautiful, she was going to get comments, but she shouldn’t have had to,” she said.
Ms Hort shared her own disturbing experiences, including being followed to her room, feeling unsafe even in her own living quarters, and being forced to lock her door at night out of fear that male soldiers would enter her room uninvited.
“It happens to every female,” she said. “It is not just in 47 Regiment.”
The toxic culture, she explained, was not limited to Larkhill but was widespread in the military, leaving women feeling unsafe and powerless to challenge inappropriate behaviour.
Further testimony revealed additional troubling incidents. Former Sergeant George Higgins, who had been in a relationship with Gnr Beck, testified that she had called him in distress during the Thorney Island incident.
He also confirmed that her superior, Bombardier Ryan Mason, had been overbearing, pressuring her emotionally and attempting to manipulate situations to his advantage.
One particularly concerning event occurred on 7 December 2021, when Bdr Mason booked hotel rooms without Gnr Beck’s knowledge, attempting to place her in an uncomfortable and vulnerable position.
Realising something was wrong, she contacted her father, who stayed on the phone until a trusted male colleague came to collect her.
Following her death, her family rejected the Army’s claim that personal relationships and alcohol misuse contributed to her tragic decision.
They pointed instead to the systemic failures that allowed the abuse to continue unchecked.
“She was passionate about her career,” her mother said. “She loved what she did and was due for a promotion.”
The toxic culture and lack of support within the military had worn down an otherwise strong and ambitious young woman.
In response to the inquiry, the Army has acknowledged that the harassment was almost certainly a causative factor in her death. However, wider systemic issues remain.
The Centre for Military Justice has since called for serious sexual harassment and bullying cases to be handled by an independent body rather than within the military itself, where conflicts of interest and institutional loyalty can obstruct justice.
The revelations surrounding Gnr Beck’s death have sparked renewed discussions about the treatment of women in the Armed Forces.
Multiple reports, including those by Air Chief Marshal Michael Wigston and the Defence Committee Inquiry into Women in the Armed Forces, have highlighted deep-rooted issues of bullying, sexism, and discrimination.
Yet, despite calls for reform, the Ministry of Defence continues to resist fully independent oversight of sexual misconduct cases.
The Army’s response, while acknowledging Gnr Beck’s suffering, has done little to assure those calling for change that meaningful action will be taken.
“When the MOD tells you it has zero tolerance for sexual harassment or assault,” said Emma Norton, the family’s lawyer, “it is important to bear in mind that they are only prepared to go so far”.
Gnr Beck’s case has exposed deep-rooted cultural issues within the Army, raising urgent questions about the protection of female soldiers and the effectiveness of the complaint system.
Brig Emmett has said that reforms have since been introduced, including the removal of the chain of command from the complaint system and the establishment of anonymous reporting hotlines.
Gnr Beck’s story is not just one of individual tragedy but of institutional failure. It is the story of a young woman who gave everything to her career, only to be let down by the very institution she served.
Her death has become a rallying cry for change – one that cannot be ignored if future generations of female soldiers are to serve without fear of harassment, coercion, or neglect.
Her family continues to fight for justice, determined that her legacy will lead to lasting reform. “She had a heart of gold,” her mother said. “She would do anything for anyone.”
As the inquest into Gnr Beck’s death concludes, those who loved her are doing everything in their power to ensure her voice is heard, even in her absence.
The coroner recorded a conclusion of suicide at the inquest of teen soldier Gnr Jaysley Beck. (Source: forces.net)
20 Feb 25. UK and Norway kickstart new defence agreement in boost for European security. UK continues to step up on European security in move to deepen defence ties with Norway.
The UK has kickstarted negotiations today on a major defence agreement with Norway in a move that will bolster security at home and on the European continent and help deter Russian aggression.
During a visit 400km inside the Arctic Circle, including to the Norwegian border with Russia, the Defence Secretary John Healey set out plans for a new agreement which will bring the UK and Norway closer together than ever, boosting national security and creating opportunities for growth to help deliver the government’s Plan for Change.
The proposed strategic partnership will look to build on the UK’s longstanding defence relationship with Norway by strengthening our armed forces, developing closer industrial ties and enhancing our capabilities to face common challenges such as protection of critical undersea infrastructure. It follows the Defence Secretary signing the landmark Trinity House Agreement with Germany in October.
The announcement, recognising the importance of the High North region, comes as the UK steps up to take a leading role in European security and within NATO.
With Russia continuing to militarise the High North and Arctic, this new agreement will boost security for the UK, Norway and our NATO allies, bolstering defences on NATO’s northern flank.
Alongside Norway Defence Minister Tore Sandvik, John Healey visited a border post near Kirkenes on the Russian border yesterday. There, they discussed shared security concerns and the commitment to deterring Russian threats and stepping up support for Ukraine in this critical year.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Kickstarting work on a deep, ambitious new defence agreement with Norway shows the UK promise to step up on European security in action., Norway remains one of the UK’s most important allies. We will create a new era of defence partnership to bring us closer than ever before as we tackle increasing threats, strengthen NATO, and boost our security in the High North.
The UK is determined to play a leadership role on European security, supporting the foundations for our security and prosperity at home and showing our adversaries that we are united in our determination to protect our interests.”
Both Defence ministers also visited the UK’s ship RFA Proteus in Bodø, which is docked in Norway ahead of exercises in the Baltic Sea.
The Ministers saw how Proteus’ capabilities support UK and European security – functioning as a mothership for drones and remotely operated vehicles, which act as a deterrent and can monitor and protect undersea infrastructure.
The UK and Norway have both stepped up maritime security in the Baltic Sea to protect critical undersea infrastructure. Under NATO’s Operation Baltic Sentry operation, the UK and Norway are working together, with the UK contributing Rivet Joint and P-8 Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft.
Speaking in sub-zero conditions in Bodø, the two Ministers highlighted their determination to defend shared interests in an increasingly unstable world.
Norway Defence Minister, Tore Sandvik said: “The United Kingdom is Norway’s closest and most important ally in Europe, and our two countries have maintained a close and strong security and defence cooperation for many years. We now face many of the same security challenges in a time of great uncertainty. It is therefore natural for us to strengthen our ties even further to enhance both our own and our allies’ security while safeguarding our shared strategic interests. At the same time, we will contribute to making NATO stronger.”
Together, the UK and Norway continue to be ironclad in support for Ukraine, leading the Maritime Capability Coalition which is transforming the Ukrainian Navy by developing its Black Sea maritime force and building new cutting-edge underwater drones.
Both nations are also playing a key part in the training of Ukrainian recruits. More than 51,000 men and women have been provided with the skills needed to counter Russian’s illegal invasion.
In addition, Norway is the only nation to join the full duration of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Indo-Pacific this year. A Norwegian frigate will sail alongside the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. In preparation for the deployment, the UK and Norway will take part in Exercise Tamber Shield in the next few weeks.
More details on the announcement between the UK and Norway can be found here – Joint Statement on Enhanced Defence Cooperation between Norway and the United Kingdom – GOV.UK. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
18 Feb 25. Europe’s defence industry should consolidate in a handful of players able to meet the continent’s increased military needs after the Trump administration threatened to withdraw US support,. Source: FT.com)
18 Feb 25. Creation of “FTSE 100 company” within UK MoD central to defence reform. A new four-person structure will take responsibility for operational, procurement, and investment programmes. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) will effectively house a new “FTSE 100 company” headed by a new National Armaments Director as part of defence reforms announced by Defence Secretary John Healey, who said that efficiencies would drive £10bn ($12.6bn) in savings over the next decade.
Delivering a speech at the Institute for Government on 18 February 2025, Healey said the reform would see the creation of a new senior stakeholder team, comprised of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Admiral Tony Radakin, the MoD’s Permanent Secretary David Williams, the Chief of Defence Nuclear Madelaine McTernan, and an as-yet unfilled post of a National Armaments Director.
CDS Radakin will lead a new Military Strategic HQ and will bear responsibility for force design and war planning across the UK Armed Forces, while the Permanent Secretary will run “a leaner” MoD, equipped with more “policy muscle”, according to Healey.
Continuing, Healey said the new National Armaments Director would be tasked with “fixing procurement and driving growth”, with the Chief of Defence Nuclear to “deliver the national nuclear enterprise”.
This new senior grouping will hold regular meetings with Healey, and sees the consolidation of stakeholders in operational, procurement, and investment programmes from a current ten-person structure down to the four abovementioned posts.
An initial operating capability for the team has been set for 31 March 2025.
The appointment of the National Armaments Director appears to be the lynchpin for this reform, who will be responsible for the running a single new £20bn investment portfolio, bringing together eight separate procurement budgets across the MoD into a single fund.
“I see this as a new FTSE 100 company within the MoD tasked, if you like, with getting the very best capabilities needed into the hands of our frontline forces,” Healey stated.
However, Healey admitted that the MoD could not pay the same rate to the new National Armaments Director than would be available in the private sector, instead effectively calling to patriotic duty and pride in national defence industrial renewal.
A timeline for the full-time appointment of the National Armaments Director is still unknown, with the job listing not yet published.
What about UK defence spending?
Washington’s recent abrogation of its chair position of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and calling on European countries to spend up to 5% of their GDP on defence, was met with incredulity in Europe’s capitals.
Further, the statement by US Defense Secretary that Europe should now take responsibility for its “conventional security”, and European peacekeepers committed to ensure a peace deal in the Ukraine-Russia war would operate outside of Article 5, raised questions about Washington’s commitment to Nato’s founding principal.
Provided a public platform to respond to Washington’s calls, Healey merely reiterated the earlier-known plans by the UK to boost defence spending from its current 2.3% to 2.5%, with more details due in the Spring with the release of the Strategic Defence Review.
Indeed, US comments at the Munich Security Conference and Ukraine Defense Contact Group have apparently not impacted UK defence thinking, with Healey responding “No”, when queried by the media at the IfG briefing to this end.
It appears rather than taking up Washington’s challenge and driving towards three, four, or even five percent on defence spending, any ‘new’ money will have to be found with efficiencies.
These will no doubt include cuts from within the MoD, given references to a “leaner” department and Williams’ own testimony to the Defence Committee in 2024 that referenced a headcount reduction by around 10%, or over 5,000 people, by the end of the current parliament.
The UK’s ability to increase defence spending is virtually impossible at a time when economic growth is non-existent, inflationary pressures reduce real-terms spending, and fiscal black holes continue to pop up from left and right within government. Even increasing to 2.5% of GDP would still only return the country to 2010 levels, having seen a near 20% real-terms decline over the past 15 years.
Coupled with a British Army long since being able to field an effective division-sized ground combat force amid falling recruitment, a fading Royal Navy, and looming decisions on air combat, the UK’s ability to meet its own security challenges, let alone shoulder a continental responsibility as called for by Washington, is slim at best.
The writing was likely already on the wall, following extensive defence cuts in November 2024 that accelerated a decline that had long-since set in. (Source: army-technology.com)
18 Feb 25. Bosnia and Herzegovina: Verdict against RS president will drive ethno-religious tensions. On 19 February, a domestic court will likely issue a verdict following a year-long trial against Milorad Dodik, the president of the Serb-dominated Republika Srpska (RS). Dodik is being charged for disobeying the decisions of High Representative Christian Schmidt, the international official who oversees the Dayton peace agreement. If Dodik is found guilty, he would be automatically removed as RS president. Dodik has threatened ‘radical measures’ in response to a possible verdict against him, including an independence referendum for RS (which we assess is unlikely to go ahead). If Dodik is found guilty, we assess that ethnic Serbs would possibly withdraw from state institutions; this would exacerbate already complex and inefficient governance, increasing the country’s impasse. There would be an elevated risk of domestic unrest, with demonstrations likely in front of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the capital Sarajevo. Ethno-religious tensions would almost certainly increase, raising the likelihood of isolated violent incidents. (Source: Sibylline)
18 Feb 25. Slovakia: Coalition infighting indicates heightened government stability, domestic unrest risks. On 17 February, the deadline passed for Prime Minister Robert Fico’s coalition partners to resolve the conflicts within their ranks. Both the centre-left Hlas and hard-right SNS parties have suffered multiple defections that have threatened the coalition’s already narrow majority in the parliament. It is currently unclear what Fico’s next step will be, though we assess that he will likely seek a continuation of the current coalition. A snap election will likely be treated as a last resort, as Fico’s populist Smer party has lost its lead in the polls and the SNS has sunk below the 5% threshold. Meanwhile, we assess that regular protests against Fico will highly likely continue, especially in the capital Bratislava. Protesters oppose Fico’s pro-Russia and EU-sceptic policies and expressions. While we assess that the coalition will likely seek to continue its rule in the short term, we also assess that a government collapse in the coming months remains a realistic possibility. (Source: Sibylline)
17 Feb 25. Russia Forms Secret Spy Unit for Sabotage and Assassinations in Europe, Report Says. Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, established a clandestine unit known as the Department of Special Tasks (SSD) to conduct covert operations across Europe and North America, The Wall Street Journal reported.
According to the report, which cites Western intelligence officials, the SSD’s operations include carrying out assassinations and sabotage abroad, infiltrating Western companies and universities, and recruiting foreign agents. It operates actively in Ukraine and Russia-aligned nations, including Serbia.
Established in 2023, the unit operates from the GRU headquarters, a fortified complex on Moscow’s outskirts referred to as “the aquarium.” It is composed of Russian intelligence factions, including the notorious Unit 29155, which was implicated in the 2018 poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal in the United Kingdom.
Veterans from some of Russia’s most infamous covert operations in recent years are also part of the group, according to the report.
Colonel General Andrey Averyanov, who is wanted by Czech authorities for his alleged involvement in a 2014 ammunition depot explosion, leads the SSD. His deputy, Lieutenant General Ivan Kasianenko, oversees covert operations in Europe and has been linked to the Skripal poisoning.
Notable operations attributed to the SSD involve attempts to assassinate the CEO of German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall and plots to place incendiary devices on DHL cargo planes. These actions are perceived as efforts to weaken Western support for Ukraine.
The European Union and the United States have already imposed sanctions on SSD members, accusing them of orchestrating coups, assassinations, and cyberattacks. Western intelligence agencies, which also expressed concern over the SSD’s operations, advocate for enhanced counterintelligence measures to counteract Russian aggression. The Kremlin has dismissed allegations by Western nations as unfounded. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
14 Feb 25. Hegseth Lauds U.S.-Poland Alliance, Reemphasizes Call for NATO Countries to Increase Defense Spending. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth today praised the U.S. alliance with Poland during a joint press conference with that country’s defense minister in Warsaw.
“We see Poland as a model ally on the continent, willing to invest not just in their defense, but in our shared defense and defense of the continent,” Hegseth said.
It was intentional that the first bilateral engagement he participated in as U.S. defense secretary was held in that country, he explained.
Stating that the U.S. relationship with Poland is strong and growing stronger by the day, Hegseth described Poland as a “strategic frontline partner on NATO’s eastern flank,” and a staunch ally not only in words, but in actions as well.
He added that Poland leading by example in the areas of defense spending and military readiness is demonstrative of what is needed throughout the NATO alliance.
“Yesterday, in Brussels, we … talked a lot about spending and the need for hard power. Diplomacy is important, talk is important, negotiations are important,” Hegseth said.
“But, ultimately, beans and bullets and tanks and helicopters and hard power still [matter]. Poland understands that and so do we,” he continued.
The secretary also said that the U.S. is exploring additional ways to partner with Poland to solidify each country’s respective defense industrial base.
“We want to achieve strength through peace together … The more [materiel Poland has], the stronger we are. The more we can cooperate with those systems, [and] the more interoperable our capabilities are, the better,” Hegseth said.
Having spent the morning participating in a physical training session with roughly 25-to-30 U.S. soldiers and Marines, Hegseth said he was able to get a feel for their views on being stationed in Poland.
“Each of them had nothing but gushing compliments for the Polish people, for the Polish military, for the amount of support they receive, for the true partnership [and] for the eagerness with which Polish troops work alongside American troops,” Hegseth said.
Hegseth also praised Poland for the number of investments and contributions the country makes toward infrastructure and the logistical support of U.S. troops stationed there.
“The level of partnership — just to underscore here — is unmatched in Europe,” Hegseth said of the U.S. alliance with Poland.
When asked about the future of U.S. troop levels in Europe, Hegseth reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to NATO.
“I will state definitively, as I did in Brussels, that America is committed to the NATO alliance,” Hegseth said.
Hegseth also stayed consistent with the same theme of needing increased defense spending by NATO member countries that he voiced throughout his weeklong European trip.
“Our message has been — and, as we discussed, we believe, heard loud and clear — that member countries in NATO need to spend more, need to invest more [and] need to have more skin in the game for their collective defense,” Hegseth said.
“That is not just a suggestion from the United States of America; that is a direct request, which we will follow up on as a reflection of [the member countries’] desire and commitment to actually defend their own backyard,” he added.
Hegseth also said that, while he believes American troop levels in Europe are important, the future is hard to predict due to the number of threats across the globe that the U.S. must “stare down.”
He said that forecasting what the geopolitical environment will look like five-to-15 years from now necessitates a larger discussion reflecting threat levels, America’s needs around the globe and — most significantly — the capability of European countries to defend themselves.
“And that’s why our message is so stark to our European allies: now is the time to invest, because you can’t make an assumption that America’s presence will last forever,” Hegseth said, adding that he believes countries like Poland would step up to defend themselves, should that day come.
“But, as of today, we are very proud of our partnership in Europe,” Hegseth said. (Source: U.S. DoD)
14 Feb 25. UK targets Putin’s inner circle with new sanctions.
New British sanctions target high profile figures working in the Russian Government and supporters of Russian state-owned business.
• UK sanctions several high-profile individuals with links to Putin’s inner circle in latest crackdown on the Kremlin.
• Russia’s war machine further constrained by British sanctions, bolstering UK’s national security and delivering on the Plan for Change.
• Foreign Secretary will also urge partners to act to smash illicit people-smuggling gangs driving irregular migration.
Nearly a year on from the death of Alexei Navalny, the UK has imposed new sanctions against people with links to Putin’s inner circle in a crackdown on the Kremlin.
Today’s sanctions target high-profile figures working in the Russian Government, including Pavel Fradkov, a Russian Defence Minister and Vladimir Selin, who heads up an arm of the Russian Ministry of Defence. They also target Artem Chaika, whose extractives company supports Russian state-owned business.
All three of these targets are also on the Navalny 50’ anti-corruption list. The UK is also sanctioning two entities linked to Russia’s nuclear energy giant Rosatom, which are supporting Russia’s military activity on the battlefield in Ukraine.
The measures come as the Foreign Secretary attends the Munich Security Conference where he will meet Yulia Navalnaya and reflect on Navalny’s enduring legacy.
The UK continues to stand with civil society and human rights defenders working tirelessly to build a better future for Russia despite immense personal risk.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “I am announcing further sanctions to keep up the pressure on Putin. Ukrainians are fighting for their country’s future and the principle of sovereignty across Europe at the frontline.”
Nearly a year on from the death of Alexei Navalny, I am honoured to meet with Yulia Navalnaya and make clear our commitment to weaken Putin’s attempts to stifle political opposition and crack down on the Kremlin’s corrupt dealings globally.
We are calling on our friends and allies to continue to step up in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
Last week, the Foreign Secretary visited Kyiv, pushing on with implementation of the 100 Year Partnership with Ukrainian friends. David Lammy will make the case to others in Munich that it is in the collective interests of Ukraine’s partners to stand by them.
The UK-US relationship remains the backbone of the security and prosperity for ms on both sides of the Atlantic, and David Lammy will meet representatives of the new administration to discuss closer working to boost both economies and make our people safer.
The Foreign Secretary will also discuss the situation in the Middle East with a wide range of leaders including Quint partners. He will urge for lasting peace as the current ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon hold, and phase two of the negotiations continues.
On Syria, the UK recently announced £3m for deliveries of Ukrainian grain and other food produce to Syria as part of our 100-year partnership. David Lammy will push for a peaceful future for Syria, centred around the interests of the Syrian people.
More Information
Today’s sanctions target 4 individuals and 2 entities including:
• Vladimir Viktorovich SELIN, Head of the Federal Service for Technical and Export Control (FSTEK), a federal service of the Russian government.
• Pavel Mikhailovich FRADKOV, a Deputy Minister of the Russian Ministry of Defence.
• Artem Yuryevich CHAIKA, owner of First Non-Metallic Company Ural (PNK-Ural) which conducts business in the Russian extractives sector, and the son of Yuri Yakovlevich CHAIKA, a member of Russia’s Security Council.
• Joint Stock Company Kirov Energomash Plant and Limited Liability Company Rosatom Additive Technologies, two subsidiaries of Russia’s state-owned civil nuclear energy company Rosastom. As well as operating in Russia’s energy sector both entities are operating in Russia’s defence sector.
• We have also made a variation to the existing designation of Yuri Yakovlevich CHAIKA. He was previously designated in March 2022.
All individuals and entities in this package have been designated for the purposes of an asset freeze and trust services sanctions. All individuals in this package are also be subject to a travel ban. Several individuals have also been designated for the purposes of a transport ban.
The Navalny list is created by the Anti-Corruption Foundation, also known as FBK, a non-profit organisation established in 2011 by Alexei Navalny.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
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