Latest news with #Rus
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Denmark quits the Frugal Four to focus on rearming Europe, says PM Frederiksen
COPENHAGEN — Denmark has quit the so-called Frugal Four to embrace instead a "more flexible" attitude towards the European Union's seven-year budget, the country's prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, has said, insisting the imperative goal of rearming the bloc against Russia should take precedence over "all other priorities". "As Danes, we will always be tough in the negotiations on the budget. We don't want money to be spent on (anything) that is not necessary for Europe. So we will be tough, but being a part of the Frugal Four is no longer the right place for us," Frederiksen said on Tuesday, speaking next to Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament. "For me, the most important thing is to rearm Europe. That's my starting point, and that's my conclusion in all discussions. Because if Europe is not able to protect ourselves and to defend ourselves, then it's game over at some point," she went on. "So rearming Europe is for me number one." The Frugal Four was an informal group made up of the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden and Denmark during the bloc's budget talks in 2020. The fiscally conservative coalition, which at times was supported by Finland, pushed hard to keep common spending in check, opposing the expansionary vision espoused by France and the South. The agreement depended on unanimity, meaning one "no" was enough to block from the Frugal Four proved instrumental in reshaping the balance of the €750 billion COVID recovery fund, reducing the share of grants, which were paid collectively, and increasing the share of loans, paid back group's behind-the-scenes maneuvering was closely scrutinized by the media, further consolidating its name. Critics often accused them of being uncompromising and insensitive to the needs of countries worst hit by the years later, Brussels is gearing up for another all-out, protracted battle to approve the next common budget for the 2028-2034 period, with the European Commission expected to present the first proposal before the summer don't count on Denmark to advocate the virtues of frugality, Frederiksen said."Last time, we had a leading role in the Frugal Four. Next time, we'll have a leading role in another group, because things have changed and the world is changing rapidly. And we have to find the right answers to all these challenges in front of us," she premier argued that Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine had irreversibly transformed the financial equation and that, as a result, "all other priorities and all other principles" should be decided "after" the bloc settles its rearmament month, member states agreed on a €150-billion program of low-interest loans to drastically boost military spending across the bloc. The plan, named SAFE, is the main element of a broader initiative, "Readiness 2030", to mobilize up to €800 billion."For me, the latest point will be 2030, and we are running out of time because of Russia's behavior," she said, referring to an estimated date by which the Kremlin could have the necessary capabilities to attack a NATO country."Because of Russia's behavior, because of all the threats against Europe and a very uncertain situation for Europe and a very insecure world, then we need a new budget."Denmark is not alone in shifting its and Sweden, which applied to join NATO after Russia launched its unprovoked war, have also softened their position towards the EU budget, urging the bloc to think bigger to boost defense investment and support for Netherlands, by contrast, has stood its ground to shoot down any idea of "Eurobonds" or common borrowing. Germany, which was not officially part of the Frugal Four but had similar views, has also ruled out permanent joint debt at the EU on behalf of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola agreed with Frederiksen on the need to be flexible and agile, but stressed that one political priority must not come at the expense of other crucial financial envelopes."What we would not want is that we put everything in one or two programs and forget everything else," Metsola said. "This is where we will need to come to a compromise."Denmark will take over the six-month presidency of the EU Council on 1 July. — Euronews
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Britain is getting a defense boost aimed at sending a message to Moscow, and to Trump
LONDON (AP) — The United Kingdom will build new nuclear-powered attack submarines and create an army ready to fight a war in Europe as part of a boost to military spending designed to send a message to Moscow — and Washington. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain 'cannot ignore the threat that Russia poses' as he pledged to undertake the most sweeping changes to Britain's defenses since the end of the Cold War more than three decades ago. 'We have to recognize the world has changed," Starmer told the BBC. 'With greater instability than there has been for many, many years, and greater threats.' What's happening on Monday? The government is to respond to a strategic defense review commissioned by Starmer and led by George Robertson, a former U.K. defense secretary and NATO secretary general. It's the first such review since 2021, and lands in a world transformed by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and by the re-election of President Donald Trump last year. The government says it will accept all 62 recommendations made in the review, aiming to help the U.K. confront growing threats on land, air sea and in cyberspace. Defense Secretary John Healey said the changes would send 'a message to Moscow, and transform the country's military following decades of retrenchment, though he said he does not expect the number of soldiers — currently at a historic low — to rise until the early 2030s. Healey said plans for defense spending to hit 2.5% of national income by 2027 a year are 'on track' and that there's 'no doubt' it will hit 3% before 2034. Starmer said the 3% goal is an 'ambition,' rather than a firm promise, and it's unclear where the cash-strapped Treasury will find the money. The government has already, contentiously, cut international aid spending to reach the 2.5% target. Starmer said he wouldn't make a firm pledge until he knew 'precisely where the money is coming from.' Deterring Russia Even 3% falls short of what some leaders in NATO think is needed to deter Russia from future attacks on its neighbors. NATO chief Mark Rutte says leaders of the 32 member countries will debate a commitment to spend at least 3.5% of GDP on defense when they meet in the Netherlads this month. Monday's announcements include building 'up to 12' nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines under the AUKUS partnership with Australia and the United States. The government also says it will invest 15 billion in Britain's nuclear arsenal, which consists of missiles carried on a handful of submarines. Details of those plans are likely to be scarce. The government will also increase conventional Britain's weapons stockpiles with up to 7,000 U.K.-built long-range weapons. Starmer said rearming would create a 'defense dividend' of well-paid jobs — a contrast to the post-Cold War 'peace dividend' that saw Western nations channel money away from defense into other areas. Like other NATO members, the U.K. has been reassessing its defense spending since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Healey said Russia is 'attacking the U.K. daily,' with 90,000 cyberattacks from state-linked sources directed at the U.K.'s defense over the last two years. A cyber command to counter such threats is expected to be set up as part of the review. 'This is a message to Moscow,' Healey told the BBC. Bolstering Europe's defenses It's also a message to Trump that Europe is heeding his demand for NATO members to spend more on their own defense. European countries, led by the U.K. and France, have scrambled to coordinate their defense posture as Trump transforms American foreign policy, seemingly sidelining Europe as he looks to end the war in Ukraine. Trump has long questioned the value of NATO and complained that the U.S. provides security to European countries that don't pull their weight. Robert Jenrick, justice spokesman for the main opposition Conservative Party, called on the government to be more ambitious and raise spending to 3% of national income by 2029. 'We think that 2034 is a long time to wait, given the gravity of the situation,' he told Sky News.
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Britain is getting a defense boost aimed at sending a message to Moscow, and to Trump
LONDON (AP) — The United Kingdom will build new nuclear-powered attack submarines and create an army ready to fight a war in Europe as part of a boost to military spending designed to send a message to Moscow — and Washington. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain 'cannot ignore the threat that Russia poses' as he pledged to undertake the most sweeping changes to Britain's defenses since the end of the Cold War more than three decades ago. 'We have to recognize the world has changed," Starmer told the BBC. 'With greater instability than there has been for many, many years, and greater threats.' What's happening on Monday? The government is to respond to a strategic defense review commissioned by Starmer and led by George Robertson, a former U.K. defense secretary and NATO secretary general. It's the first such review since 2021, and lands in a world transformed by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and by the re-election of President Donald Trump last year. The government says it will accept all 62 recommendations made in the review, aiming to help the U.K. confront growing threats on land, air sea and in cyberspace. Defense Secretary John Healey said the changes would send 'a message to Moscow, and transform the country's military following decades of retrenchment, though he said he does not expect the number of soldiers — currently at a historic low — to rise until the early 2030s. Healey said plans for defense spending to hit 2.5% of national income by 2027 a year are 'on track' and that there's 'no doubt' it will hit 3% before 2034. Starmer said the 3% goal is an 'ambition,' rather than a firm promise, and it's unclear where the cash-strapped Treasury will find the money. The government has already, contentiously, cut international aid spending to reach the 2.5% target. Starmer said he wouldn't make a firm pledge until he knew 'precisely where the money is coming from.' Deterring Russia Even 3% falls short of what some leaders in NATO think is needed to deter Russia from future attacks on its neighbors. NATO chief Mark Rutte says leaders of the 32 member countries will debate a commitment to spend at least 3.5% of GDP on defense when they meet in the Netherlads this month. Monday's announcements include building 'up to 12' nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines under the AUKUS partnership with Australia and the United States. The government also says it will invest 15 billion in Britain's nuclear arsenal, which consists of missiles carried on a handful of submarines. Details of those plans are likely to be scarce. The government will also increase conventional Britain's weapons stockpiles with up to 7,000 U.K.-built long-range weapons. Starmer said rearming would create a 'defense dividend' of well-paid jobs — a contrast to the post-Cold War 'peace dividend' that saw Western nations channel money away from defense into other areas. Like other NATO members, the U.K. has been reassessing its defense spending since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Healey said Russia is 'attacking the U.K. daily,' with 90,000 cyberattacks from state-linked sources directed at the U.K.'s defense over the last two years. A cyber command to counter such threats is expected to be set up as part of the review. 'This is a message to Moscow,' Healey told the BBC. Bolstering Europe's defenses It's also a message to Trump that Europe is heeding his demand for NATO members to spend more on their own defense. European countries, led by the U.K. and France, have scrambled to coordinate their defense posture as Trump transforms American foreign policy, seemingly sidelining Europe as he looks to end the war in Ukraine. Trump has long questioned the value of NATO and complained that the U.S. provides security to European countries that don't pull their weight. Robert Jenrick, justice spokesman for the main opposition Conservative Party, called on the government to be more ambitious and raise spending to 3% of national income by 2029.
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Britain is getting a defense boost aimed at sending a message to Moscow, and to Trump
LONDON (AP) — The United Kingdom will build new nuclear-powered attack submarines and create an army ready to fight a war in Europe as part of a boost to military spending designed to send a message to Moscow — and Washington. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain 'cannot ignore the threat that Russia poses' as he pledged to undertake the most sweeping changes to Britain's defenses since the end of the Cold War more than three decades ago. 'We have to recognize the world has changed,' Starmer told the BBC. 'With greater instability than there has been for many, many years, and greater threats.' What's happening on Monday? The government is to respond to a strategic defense review commissioned by Starmer and led by George Robertson, a former U.K. defense secretary and NATO secretary general. It's the first such review since 2021, and lands in a world transformed by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and by the re-election of President Donald Trump last year. The government says it will accept all 62 recommendations made in the review, aiming to help the U.K. confront growing threats on land, air sea and in cyberspace. Defense Secretary John Healey said the changes would send 'a message to Moscow, and transform the country's military following decades of retrenchment, though he said he does not expect the number of soldiers — currently at a historic low — to rise until the early 2030s. Healey said plans for defense spending to hit 2.5% of national income by 2027 a year are 'on track' and that there's 'no doubt' it will hit 3% before 2034. Starmer said the 3% goal is an 'ambition,' rather than a firm promise, and it's unclear where the cash-strapped Treasury will find the money. The government has already, contentiously, cut international aid spending to reach the 2.5% target. Starmer said he wouldn't make a firm pledge until he knew 'precisely where the money is coming from.' Deterring Russia Even 3% falls short of what some leaders in NATO think is needed to deter Russia from future attacks on its neighbors. NATO chief Mark Rutte says leaders of the 32 member countries will debate a commitment to spend at least 3.5% of GDP on defense when they meet in the Netherlads this month. Monday's announcements include building 'up to 12' nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines under the AUKUS partnership with Australia and the United States. The government also says it will invest 15 billion in Britain's nuclear arsenal, which consists of missiles carried on a handful of submarines. Details of those plans are likely to be scarce. The government will also increase conventional Britain's weapons stockpiles with up to 7,000 U.K.-built long-range weapons. Starmer said rearming would create a 'defense dividend' of well-paid jobs — a contrast to the post-Cold War 'peace dividend' that saw Western nations channel money away from defense into other areas. Like other NATO members, the U.K. has been reassessing its defense spending since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Healey said Russia is 'attacking the U.K. daily,' with 90,000 cyberattacks from state-linked sources directed at the U.K.'s defense over the last two years. A cyber command to counter such threats is expected to be set up as part of the review. 'This is a message to Moscow,' Healey told the BBC. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. Bolstering Europe's defenses It's also a message to Trump that Europe is heeding his demand for NATO members to spend more on their own defense. European countries, led by the U.K. and France, have scrambled to coordinate their defense posture as Trump transforms American foreign policy, seemingly sidelining Europe as he looks to end the war in Ukraine. Trump has long questioned the value of NATO and complained that the U.S. provides security to European countries that don't pull their weight. Robert Jenrick, justice spokesman for the main opposition Conservative Party, called on the government to be more ambitious and raise spending to 3% of national income by 2029. 'We think that 2034 is a long time to wait, given the gravity of the situation,' he told Sky News.
Japan Today
5 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Today
2 killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine as prospects for talks remain uncertain
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends a news conference at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, May 28, 2025.(AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine on Saturday killed at least two people, including a 9-year-old girl, officials said, as uncertainty remains about whether Kyiv diplomats will attend a new round of peace talks proposed by Moscow for early next week in Istanbul. Russian troops launched some 109 drones and five missiles across Ukraine overnight and into Saturday, the Ukrainian air force said. Three of the missiles and 42 drones were destroyed and another 30 drones failed to reach their targets without causing damage, it said. The girl was killed in a strike on the front-line village of Dolynka in the Zaporizhzhia region, and a 16-year-old was injured, Zaporizhzhia's Gov. Ivan Fedorov said. 'One house was destroyed. The shockwave from the blast also damaged several other houses, cars, and outbuildings,' Fedorov wrote on Telegram. A man was killed by Russian shelling in Ukraine's Kherson region, Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin wrote on Telegram. Moscow did not comment on either attack. Russia's Ministry of Defense said Saturday that it had gained control of the Ukrainian village of Novopil in the Donetsk region, and took the village of Vodolahy in the northern Sumy region. Ukrainian authorities in Sumy ordered mandatory evacuations in 11 more settlements as Russian forces make steady gains in the area. The new additions bring the total number of settlements under evacuation orders in Sumy, which borders Russia's Kursk region, to 213. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said some 50,000 Russian troops have amassed in the area with the intention of launching an offensive to carve out a buffer zone inside Ukrainian territory. Speaking Saturday, Ukraine's top army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said that Russian forces were focusing their main offensive efforts on Pokrovsk, Toretsk and Lyman in the Donetsk region, as well as the Sumy border area. Syrskyi also said Ukrainian forces are still holding territory in Russia's Kursk region, a statement that Moscow has repeatedly denied. Russia said on April 26 that it had pushed all Ukrainian troops from the Kursk region after Ukrainian troops seized land there during a surprise incursion in August 2024. 'The enemy is holding its best units here,' Syrskyi said referring to Kursk, 'which it planned to use in the east.' Elsewhere, 14 people were injured including four children after Ukrainian drones struck apartment buildings Saturday in the Russian town of Rylsk and the village of Artakovo in the western Kursk region, local acting Gov. Alexander Khinshtein said. Andrii Yermak, a top adviser to Zelenskyy, said Friday that Kyiv was ready to resume direct peace talks with Russia in Istanbul on Monday but that the Kremlin should first provide a promised memorandum setting out its position on ending the more than three-year war. Zelenskyy said Friday that Russia was 'undermining diplomacy' by withholding the document. 'For some reason, the Russians are concealing this document. This is an absolutely bizarre position. There is no clarity about the format,' Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. Moscow previously said it would share its memorandum during the talks. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
