Trump says Ukraine lacks leverage. His own officials say otherwise.
Rubio called Ukraine’s military the strongest in Europe, while Driscoll told senators the U.S. is playing catch-up with Kyiv’s Delta command network.
Europe
Lithuanian lawmakers shelter, Vilnius air traffic suspended due to drone incursion
A drone violated Lithuanian airspace on Wednesday, the latest in a series of security incidents in the Baltic region.
Germany touts pan-German space command amid European push to supplant US tech
Austria’s Defense Minister Claudia Tanner reaffirmed that Austria plans to put three operationally designated military satellites into orbit next year.
Italy rethinks EU defense-financing aid as arms spending falls out of fashion
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wants to refocus the bloc's help on lowering the cost of living for Italians, as energy costs have soared amid the Iran war.
UN peacekeeping forces prepare to leave Lebanon, but what comes next?
According to analysts, the UNIFIL withdrawal will have significant implications for southern Lebanon.
Russia launches unannounced nuclear exercise, including Belarusian launch sites
The dual messaging − nuclear muscle-flexing at home, high-profile diplomacy abroad − fits a pattern the Kremlin has used repeatedly.
NATO eastern deterrence strategy takes shape around ‘autonomous zone’
“What we see in Ukraine, no vehicle movements are in the gray zone at all,” one Latvian commander said. “Any movement is destroyed.”
Italy settles on Airbus tanker purchase in swing toward European equipment
The deal marks a shift from Boeing to Airbus for the Italian Air Force, which flies four Boeing 767-based tanker aircraft which entered service from 2011.
US plans to shrink forces available to NATO during crises, sources say
The Trump administration is planning to shrink the pool of U.S. military capabilities available to assist NATO's European nations in a major crisis.
More US troop withdrawals from Europe expected, NATO commander says
Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said Europe should "absolutely" expect additional U.S. troop withdrawals as NATO allies provide more of their own defense.
NATO jet shoots down Ukrainian drone over Estonia in escalation of airspace violations
The drone was shot down by a Romanian F-16 fighter jet stationed in Šiauliai, Lithuania, Estonian media reported.
Sweden picks France’s FDI frigates in potential $4.2 billion deal
Sweden picked the French vessel due to a combination of quick delivery time, an active production line and proven air-defense capabilities, officials said.
Germany to deploy Patriot battery to Turkey, relieving US forces on NATO’s southeastern flank
Germany’s contribution to intercepting Iranian missiles is framed in Berlin as an exercise in burden-sharing.
Polish officials vent worries over scrapped US troop deployment
“More than fifty billion dollars is the sum of the purchases that we are implementing in the United States,” Poland's defense minister noted.
ISIS leader killed in Africa as US commander raises force reduction concerns
Despite recent operations, U.S. force reduction moves have ignited concerns over America's ability to stifle terror plots emanating from the continent.
Ukraine declares its first homegrown guided aerial bomb combat-ready
A 250-kilogram answer to Russia's daily glide-bomb campaign and Kyiv's dependence on Western precision strike capabilities for mid-range targets.
Former University of Michigan researcher accused of hiding Chinese military drone ties
Investigators say Chuan Wang claimed modest roles on visa applications when in fact he was publicly known in China for his military drones.
