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Pope Leo Slams Europe’s Military Build-Up, Calls It a Blow to Diplomacy

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Pope Leo XIV criticized Europe’s rising military spending, calling it a betrayal of diplomacy and warning that increased rearmament only fuels insecurity and conflict. Speaking to students at Rome’s Sapienza University, the pontiff said governments should not describe expanding arms budgets as “defence spending” when such investments reduce funding for education and healthcare while benefiting powerful elites.

The pope’s remarks come as European military expenditure reached its highest level since the Cold War, driven by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for NATO members to increase defence budgets. Trump has pushed allies to raise military spending targets and recently prioritized U.S. weapons sales toward countries investing more heavily in defence.

Leo also warned against the growing use of artificial intelligence in warfare, pointing to conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran as examples of technology making wars more inhumane. Urging students to reject divisive ideologies and nationalism, he appealed for global unity and encouraged young people to become “artisans of true peace.”

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Putin Says Ukraine War May Be Nearing Its End

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that the conflict in Ukraine could be approaching an end, saying after Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow that the “special military operation” was “coming to an end.” During his speech, Putin criticised Western nations for continuing to support and arm Ukraine, accusing Nato countries of fuelling the conflict. The annual Red Square parade was notably scaled back this year, with no tanks or heavy military hardware displayed amid fears of possible Ukrainian attacks.

Putin also indicated he would only agree to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky once a long-term peace agreement had been finalised. He said negotiations could take place in a third country and mentioned former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as his preferred negotiating partner for broader European security discussions. Meanwhile, European leaders have hinted at possible future talks with Moscow, with EU officials saying there may be potential for negotiations at the right moment.

Although a US-brokered temporary ceasefire reduced tensions during the Victory Day celebrations, both Russia and Ukraine later accused each other of violating the truce through drone strikes and artillery attacks. The two sides have agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, but Moscow claims it has yet to receive confirmation from Kyiv. The conflict, which began with Russia’s seizure of Crimea in 2014 and escalated into a full-scale invasion in 2022, continues despite renewed diplomatic signals.

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Putin Uses Victory Day Speech to Defend Ukraine War and Criticize NATO

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Russian President Vladimir Putin used his Victory Day speech in Moscow’s Red Square to justify the ongoing war in Ukraine and accuse NATO of backing an “aggressive force” against Russia. Addressing military personnel and invited world leaders, Putin described the conflict as a “just” fight and praised Russian soldiers involved in what Moscow calls its “special military operation.”

This year’s Victory Day celebrations were noticeably scaled back, with no military hardware displayed in the Moscow parade for the first time in nearly two decades. Russian officials said tanks and other equipment were needed on the battlefield in Ukraine, while heightened security concerns over possible drone attacks also led to tighter restrictions and reduced public celebrations in several cities.

Despite the reduced scale, thousands of soldiers marched through Red Square alongside troops from allied nations, including North Korea. The event came amid a temporary three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, although both sides accused each other of violating the truce. Victory Day remains one of Russia’s most important national holidays, commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War Two.

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Germany Calls for Stronger European Defence After U.S. Troop Cut

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Boris Pistorius has urged Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security after the Pentagon announced plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany. The move comes amid rising tensions between the United States and its European allies over issues including the Iran conflict and trade disputes, further straining transatlantic relations.

Pistorius said the withdrawal, which affects part of the roughly 35,000–40,000 U.S. troops stationed in Germany, was not unexpected. He stressed that Europe must strengthen its defence capabilities, adding that Germany is already expanding its military, accelerating procurement, and investing in infrastructure. Plans are underway to increase the size of the Bundeswehr from about 185,000 to 260,000 personnel.

The decision will also see the cancellation of a planned long-range fires battalion, which had been intended to bolster deterrence against Russia. Analysts warn that gaps in Europe’s military readiness and budget constraints mean it could take years for the region to independently meet its security needs, despite commitments from NATO members to step up defence efforts.

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Merz Says Ties with Trump Remain Strong Despite Iran Dispute

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump remains positive despite a public disagreement over the Iran conflict. Speaking in Berlin, Merz acknowledged differences in opinion but stressed that communication between the two leaders continues.

The dispute highlights broader tensions between the United States and its European NATO allies over Iran, as well as ongoing concerns tied to the Ukraine war. Merz reiterated his skepticism about the Iran conflict from the beginning, emphasizing its economic consequences for Europe, particularly disruptions to energy supplies linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump recently criticized Merz, accusing him of being lenient on Iran’s nuclear ambitions—an accusation the German leader has denied, maintaining that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. Despite the exchange, both sides continue diplomatic engagement, even as the conflict remains unresolved and continues to impact global markets.

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Former NATO Chief Issues Stark Warning Over UK Defense Gaps

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George Robertson, a former NATO Secretary General and veteran Labour figure, has issued a scathing rebuke of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, warning that Britain’s national security is “in peril.” In a high-profile lecture delivered in Salisbury, Robertson accused the current government of “corrosive complacency” and failing to back military rhetoric with necessary financial investment. Despite Starmer’s previous promises to increase defense spending to 3% of GDP, Robertson argued that the UK remains “under-prepared, under-insured, and under attack” amid rising global tensions.

The criticism specifically targeted the Treasury, with Robertson describing the influence of “non-military experts” on defense decisions as “vandalism.” He highlighted a perceived lack of urgency from Finance Minister Rachel Reeves, noting that defense was largely ignored in recent budget updates. Robertson, who co-authored a Strategic Defense Review for the government just two years ago, emphasized that lessons from the Ukraine conflict show a desperate need for modernization in drones and digital warfare—investments he claims are being sidelined by an “ever-expanding welfare budget.”

In response to the rare public fallout between the former chief and his own party, a government spokesperson insisted that a detailed 10-year investment plan is being finalized. Prime Minister Starmer has consistently blamed 14 years of Conservative rule for the military’s current state, pledging that the ongoing war in Iran and tensions in the Middle East will serve as a “turning point” for British resilience. However, Robertson’s intervention signals growing frustration among security experts that the government’s timeline is moving too slowly to meet the immediate threats facing the nation.

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Greenland Rejects Trump’s Arctic Remarks, Urges NATO Unity

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Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has strongly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks describing Greenland as a “big, poorly run piece of ice,” calling the comments disrespectful and emphasizing the island’s sovereignty and global responsibility. Nielsen said Greenland is a proud nation of 57,000 people that respects international law and works closely with global allies, urging NATO members to stand together to protect the international order.

The comments came after Trump criticized NATO’s role in the Iran war and revived tensions over Greenland, which the U.S. has previously expressed interest in controlling due to its strategic Arctic location. Earlier this year, European nations including Germany and France sent troops to Greenland in a show of solidarity after concerns that the U.S. might consider military action, before diplomatic talks shifted the issue to negotiations.

Despite ongoing discussions between Greenland, Denmark, and the United States on defence cooperation, Nielsen warned that Trump’s ambitions regarding the island remain a concern. He stressed that Greenland supports dialogue and cooperation but remains cautious, noting that existing agreements already allow U.S. military presence on the island while maintaining Greenland’s autonomy and sovereignty.

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Canada Pushes G7 to Back New Defence Bank Initiative

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Canada is urging G7 nations to support the creation of a new multilateral defence bank aimed at financing small and medium-sized defence companies. Foreign Minister Anita Anand said the proposal will be presented during the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in France, as countries face rising security challenges linked to ongoing conflicts and geopolitical uncertainty.

The proposed Defence and Security Resilience Bank is part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s broader strategy to strengthen cooperation among allies, including NATO partners. Canada has been hosting discussions in Montreal to develop the bank’s framework, with the city also positioning itself as a potential headquarters. The initiative aims to pool capital and improve access to funding for defence firms struggling to meet increasing demand.

However, the proposal faces mixed support, with some countries like Germany declining participation and others exploring alternative financing plans. Anand emphasized that lessons from the Russia-Ukraine War highlight the need for faster procurement and better coordination in defence supply chains. She added that discussions will continue in the coming months, with more countries encouraged to join the initiative.

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German Army Pushes AI to Speed Up Battlefield Decisions

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Germany’s military is advancing plans to integrate artificial intelligence into wartime operations, aiming to process battlefield data faster and improve decision-making. Army chief Christian Freuding highlighted lessons from Ukraine, where drones and sensors generate vast amounts of data. AI systems can analyze this information to predict enemy behavior and recommend responses, significantly reducing the time and manpower traditionally required.

Freuding stressed that AI will remain a support tool rather than replacing human judgment. While the technology can enhance speed and efficiency, final decisions will always rest with soldiers. The German army also plans to train these systems using data from both Ukrainian combat experience and its own military exercises, ensuring compatibility with operational doctrines.

Germany intends to align its AI development with NATO standards and is considering both European and U.S. technologies. Freuding noted that American solutions, such as tools developed by Palantir Technologies, may offer quicker deployment advantages. However, concerns around data security and sovereignty will remain key factors in selecting the final system.

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Russia Warns Finland Over Possible Hosting of Nuclear Weapons

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Russia has warned that Finland would become more vulnerable if it allows nuclear weapons to be stationed on its territory. The Kremlin issued the warning after Finland indicated it may lift a long-standing ban on hosting nuclear arms, a move that could enable their deployment during wartime under NATO planning.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the decision would escalate tensions in Europe and prompt a response from Russia. According to Moscow, deploying nuclear weapons in Finland would be viewed as a direct threat, forcing Russia to take countermeasures to protect its security.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said the proposal is not due to an immediate security threat but is meant to allow Finland to participate fully in NATO’s nuclear planning. The shift reflects broader changes in European defense strategy following the war in Ukraine and renewed discussions on nuclear deterrence led by Emmanuel Macron in Europe.

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