nato
32 nations but only one man matters – Nato’s summit is all about Trump
Getty Images Nato’s chief Mark Rutte (left) wants to give Donald Trump what he wants – higher defence spending by America’s allies Nato summits tend to be “pre-cooked”, not least to present a united front. Secretary General Mark Rutte has already settled on the menu for their meeting at The Hague: one that will avoid a row with Nato’s most powerful member, the US. A commitment to increase defence spending by European allies is the dish that President Donald Trump wants served – and that’s exactly what he’ll be getting.Read more
UK and Germany sign ‘landmark’ defence treaty
Britain and Germany will sign, what the UK government is calling a “landmark defence agreement” aimed at boosting security, investment and jobs. Under the agreement the German defence company, Rheinmetall will open a new factory in the UK to manufacture barrels for artillery guns – supporting 400 jobs. Both countries will work together to develop a new long range missile, and drones. German maritime surveillance aircraft will also periodically fly patrols of the North Atlantic from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. Labour promised to build closer military ties with Germany whileRead more
NATO chief chides Ukraine allies for delays that helped Russia
NATO countries haven’t delivered what they promised to Ukraine in time, the alliance’s chief said Monday, allowing Russia to press its advantage while Kyiv’s depleted forces wait for military supplies to arrive from the U.S. and Europe. “Serious delays in support have meant serious consequences on the battlefield” for Ukraine, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Outgunned, Ukraine’s troops have struggled to fend off Russian advances on the battlefield. They were recently compelled to make a tactical retreat from three villagesRead more