Key facts
- Former Nato secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen proposed a 'coalition of the willing' to defend Europe.
- The proposed coalition would include Ukraine and be led by France and the UK.
- Rasmussen suggested this coalition as an insurance measure against potential US troop withdrawals.
- He emphasized Ukraine's current military strength and its role as a bulwark against Russia.
- The proposal comes ahead of a meeting of European defence powers and a Nato summit focused on increased spending.
Former Nato secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen has proposed the establishment of a 'coalition of the willing' to bolster European defence, suggesting that Ukraine, due to its military strength, should be an integral part of this new security architecture.
Rasmussen envisions this coalition as an insurance force to protect continental Europe, particularly in the event of a sudden withdrawal of US troops, a scenario he believes is increasingly likely given changes in American attitudes. He noted that the US defence secretary is reviewing troop numbers in Europe, though military officials remain confident about security.
The proposal comes as leading European defence powers are set to meet in Berlin to formulate a common defence strategy ahead of a Nato summit in Ankara. This summit aims to demonstrate that European nations have increased their defence spending, with a new target of €70bn in extra support for Ukraine over two years and a commitment for individual countries to spend up to 5% of GDP on defence by 2035.
Rasmussen highlighted Ukraine's transformation into a 'battle hardened' nation, capable of contributing to European security rather than solely being a recipient of aid. He also advised against the EU appointing a negotiator with Russia until Europe can negotiate from a position of strength, emphasizing the need for European decision-making independent of potential US reactions.
He further commented on Ukraine's innovation in developing high-tech military capabilities, particularly drones, and encouraged the licensing of US-designed weapons manufacturing within Ukraine to strengthen its defence industry and its integration with Europe.