Europe's five biggest defence spenders to name Russia as top security threat

Mixed · 2Europe's five biggest defence spenders (France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK, known as the E5) are set to warn that Russia is the most acute and long-term threat to the continent's security, and to pledge unflagging support for Ukraine. 1 2 Right · 1A draft joint statement seen by Bloomberg News says Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, its violations of Allied airspace, acts of sabotage and growing multi-domain hybrid attacks "do not undermine our unity, solidarity and cohesion". 1 Mixed · 2The statement is expected after a meeting in Paris on Monday hosted by French defence minister Catherine Vautrin and attended by her counterparts from the other four countries. Its language could change before publication. 1 2

Mixed · 2The ministers also plan to say Europe "must assume greater responsibility for its own security". The draft calls the US an "indispensable ally" but says this responsibility "must begin with the empowerment of European Allies within NATO". 1 2 Mixed · 2They are expected to commit to greater political and military leadership, modernising forces, strengthening NATO's collective defence and improving European defence readiness. The draft says the EU's regulatory and financial resources can support these ambitions, but EU defence efforts should reinforce NATO rather than duplicate it and stay open to members outside the alliance. 1 2 Mixed · 2The message responds to what the coverage describes as an intensifying Russian campaign of hybrid attacks, including suspected sabotage, cyberattacks, arson, drone incursions and threats to critical infrastructure and defence companies. European officials see it as an effort to test NATO's limits, disrupt support for Ukraine and exploit uncertainty over how the alliance should respond without triggering a broader conflict. 1 2

Right · 1On Ukraine, the draft says: "We will maintain our unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine", and it stresses countering Russia's shadow fleet and its airspace violations. 1 Right · 1German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in a Bloomberg Television interview on 19 October that Russia's threat goes beyond the war in Ukraine and that Europe must take it more seriously, strengthen its defences and reduce reliance on the US. 1 Mixed · 2Both reports place the move after rising US–Ukraine tensions over President Donald Trump's deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, under which the US would refrain from further sanctions in exchange for Moscow supplying diesel to the global market. The deal drew backlash from Trump-allied US politicians, Ukraine and European leaders. 1 2

Centre · 1The National adds that Vautrin's office said the ministers will also discuss "security challenges in the Middle East", as Saudi defence minister Prince Khalid bin Salman heads to Iran with officials from Makkah Agreement countries to push for a diplomatic solution. 2