News
Latest news on Russia’s war on Ukraine
(Defence Intelligence – UK Ministry of Defence)
July :
NATO Summit, 9-10-11 JULY 2024, Washington DC
NATO Defence Ministers meeting, 13-14 June 2024, Brussels
Defence Ministers prepare for Washington Summit, by strengthening defences and bolstering support for Ukraine.
EU Foreign Affairs Council (Defence), 28 MAY 2024, Brussels
The Foreign Affairs Council in its defence configuration discussed EU military support to Ukraine.
The Council held a discussion on how to enhance defence readiness, with a focus on strengthening the EU’s Defence Technological and Industrial Base on the basis of the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) and improved access to public and private financing.
Under current affairs, EU Defence Ministers received an update on CSDP missions and operations, particularly in the Red Sea and the Sahel, and was informed about the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity, and the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO).
EU Foreign Affairs Council, 27 MAY 2024, Brussels
The Foreign Affairs Council discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, after a VTC intervention by Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba, who updated his EU counterparts on the latest developments on the ground.
The Foreign Affairs Council then discussed the situation in the Middle East.
Under current affairs, the Council was informed about developments around the new law on transparency of foreign influence in Georgia, that goes against the spirit and principles of the EU.
Main results
EU Chiefs of Defence Meeting, 15 MAY 2024, Brussels
On 15 May 2024, the Chiefs of Defense (ChoDs) of the 27 member states of the European Union assembled in Brussels to discuss the current security situation in the areas of the Union’s interests. The EU Military Committee (EUMC) on ChoDs level meeting takes place on a six-monthly basis at the highest level of the states’ military leadership.
During this day-long meeting, the highest ranking EU flag officers addressed the latest achievements, discussed the strategic environment and its challenges. Finally, they agreed on the processes to set up and fulfil the plans to cooperate and proceed toward a secure and prosperous Europe together.
The focus of the discussions hinged around four main topics :
- the strategic outlook on the Sahel region of Africa,
- the support to Ukraine,
- the security situation in the area of operation of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and,
- the Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC).
In addition, a new Chairman of the EU Military Committee (CEUMC) was elected by his fellow Chiefs of Defence. Pending the approval of the Committee of the Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the member states to the European Union (COREPER), Lieutenant General Seán Clancy (Ireland) will take over responsibility as CEUMC by June 2025.
EU Foreign Affairs Council, 22 APRIL 2024, Luxembourg
EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs met on 22 April 2024 in Luxembourg. The meeting was chaired by Josep BORRELL, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Ministers were joined by Defence counterparts to discuss Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, following an informal exchange of views with Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba and Minister for Defence Rustem Umerov. The Council also discussesed the situation in the Middle East and the latest developments in Sudan.
Special European Council, 17-18 APRIL 2024, Brussels
Over the course of a two-day summit, EU leaders adopted conclusions on Ukraine, Türkiye, the Middle East and a new European competitiveness deal.
Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs, 3-4 APRIL 2024, Brussels
The Ministers took part in three sessions: among Allies, NATO-Ukraine Council and the meeting with Indo-Pacific Partners and representative of the European Union. This was the first Ministerial Meeting when Sweden sat at the table as a 32nd Ally.
The Ministers discussed continued military support for Ukraine and preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Washington, D.C. (9-11 July).
On the second day, a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council took place, attended by Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. The agenda included the current situation at the frontline and Ukraine’s ongoing needs in terms of arms supplies.
During the debate attended by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and NATO’s Indo-Pacific partners, namely Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea, the participants discussed global implications of the war in Ukraine as well as options for strengthened cooperation regarding countering hybrid and cyber threats.
The Ministers also took part in the celebrations marking NATO’s 75th anniversary, as well as accession anniversaries of several Allies.
The Ministers also took part in the celebrations marking NATO’s 75th anniversary, as well as accession anniversaries of several Allies.
European Council, 21-22 MARCH 2024, Brussels
Over the course of the two-day summit, EU leaders adopted conclusions on Ukraine, security and defence, the Middle East, enlargement, external relations, migration, preparedness and crisis response, agriculture and the European Semester.
They also had a lunch with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss the geopolitical situation and key global challenges. They celebrated the 30th anniversary of the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement with the prime ministers of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, and took stock of preparations for the new strategic agenda.
A Euro Summit was held in the margins of the meeting.
EU Foreign Affairs Council, 18 MARCH 2024, Brussels
The Foreign Affairs Council, chaired by Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, met in Brussels on 18 March 2024.
At the beginning of the meeting, EU Foreign Affairs Ministers held an informal exchange of views via VTC with the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The Council then discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, following an informal exchange of views with Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba, who joined via VTC. Thereafter, the Council exchanged views on Belarus, followed by a discussion on the situation in the Middle East. Finally, under current affairs, the Council touched on Armenia and Azerbaijan, Niger and Haiti.
The Council adopted the decision on the Ukraine Assistance Fund under the European Peace Facility as well as Conclusions on Green Diplomacy.
NATO Defence Ministers meeting, 15 FEBRUARY 2024, Brussels
NATO Defence Ministers met on Thursday, 15 February 2024 to address the Alliance’s deterrence and defence, as well as support to Ukraine.
190th NATO Military Chiefs of Defence meeting, 17-18 JANUARY 2024, Brussels
NATO’s highest Military Authority, the Military Committee met in person on 17 and 18 January 2024 in Brussels. Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the Military Committee presided over the meeting, which was attended by the Allied Chiefs of Defence and their Invitee counterpart from Sweden. They were joined joined by General Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), and General Philippe Lavigne, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT) via videoconference.
The meeting of the NATO Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence Session (MCCS) enabled the Chiefs of Defence to meet and discuss issues of strategic importance to the Alliance.
EU Council, 14-15 DECEMBER 2023, Brussels
EU leaders discussed continued support to Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, enlargement and reforms, the mid-term review of the EU’s long-term budget for 2021-2027, security and defence, migration, hybrid attacks, the fight against antisemitism, racism and xenophobia, and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029.
EU Foreign Affairs Council, 11 DECEMBER 2023 Brussels
The Foreign Affairs Council, chaired by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stared with an informal exchange of views with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba.
The Council then held discussions on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in Israel and in the region, and the Sahel.
The Council meeting was preceded by an informal breakfast with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, and followed by the Eastern Partnership Ministerial meeting.
EU-China summit, 7 DECEMBER 2023, Beijing
The EU and China held their 24th Summit in Beijing on 7 December 2023. The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, met with China’s President, Xi Jinping, followed by an exchange with China’s Premier, Li Qiang.
The Summit was an opportunity to engage with China following a period of intensified bilateral contacts and dialogues. High-level visits and dialogues on strategic and foreign policy issues, human rights as well as trade and economy, climate, and environment, digital have paved the way for the Summit, demonstrating the EU’s commitment to engage with China. The EU highlighted the need for concrete progress following these discussions.
NATO Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting, 28-29 NOVEMBER 2023, Brussels
NATO Foreign Ministers concluded a two days of meetings in Brussels on 28-29 November 2023). They had a wide ranging agenda, addressing support for Ukraine, preparations for the anniversary summit to be held in Washington in 2024 and pressing security challenges, including in the Western Balkans and NATO’s southern neighbourhood. In addition, the NATO‑Ukraine Council was meeting at foreign minister level for the first time.
EU Foreign Affairs Council (Defence), 14 NOVEMBER 2023, Brussels
The Ukrainian Minister of Defence underlined first the urgent need to continue to support Ukraine militarily with more air defence, training, ammunition and winter equipment. The EU Defence ministers discussed the EU Military Assistance Mission to Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine), which has already achieved its goal of training 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers and is now seeking to train 10,000 more toops. They also took stock of the EU efforts to supply ammunition to Ukraine.
The Council also approved conclusions on EU’s policy on space strategy for security and defence. Finally, the European ministers held an informal meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
EU Defence Ministers met in the European Defence Agency (EDA) Steering Board under the chairmanship of the High Representative Borrell in his capacity as Head of the Agency right before the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (Defence). The Steering Board approved the 2023 EU Capability Development Priorities. The document serves as a baseline for EU-wide defence planning, and all EU defence-related initiatives. The 22 priorities reflect the military realities observed in Ukraine, support EU defence objectives, and are designed to lead to concrete projects.
EU Foreign Affairs Council, 13 NOVEMBER 2023, Brussels
EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs met on 13 November 2023 in Brussels.
The meeting was chaired by Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
The Council held a discussion on the Russian aggression against Ukraine and exchanged views on the developments concerning Armenia and Azerbaijan. Ministers then had a debate on the situation in Israel and in the region, the foreign policy dimension of economic security.
European Council, 26-27 OCTOBER 2023, Brussels
EU leaders discussed the unfolding situation in the Middle East, continued support for Ukraine and the revision of the EU’s long-term budget 2021-2027.
They also discussed economic growth in the EU, migration and external relations.
EU Foreign Affairs Council, 23 OCTOBER 2023, Luxembourg
EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs met on 23 October 2023 in Luxembourg. The meeting was chaired by Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
The Council hold a discussion on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, focusing on security commitments, and exchanged views on the developments concerning Armenia and Azerbaijan. Ministers then had a debate on the situation in Israel and in the region, following Hamas’ brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel and the events unfolding in Gaza.
EU – US Summit, 20 OCTOBER 2023, Washington
After a two year gap, US President Joe Biden, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel met in Washington on 20 October for the EU – US summit.
The last summit in Brussels in 2021 renewed the resolve for strengthening the transatlantic partnership, resulting in the establishment of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC), among other things .
Since then, the US and the EU have been working closely together across a range of policy areas, including financial and military support for Ukraine. Much less tangible success, however, has been achieved on trade and green technology issues. Expectations were high for the US and EU to resolve these issues at this summit, with next year’s US and European Parliament election looming.
NATO Defence Ministers meeting, 11-12 OCTOBER 2023, Brussels
NATO Defence Ministers wrapped up a 2 days meeting in Brussels on 11 and 12 October 2023, addressing the Alliance’s defence plans and operations, and meeting with their Israeli counterpart.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant briefed his NATO counterparts on the situation in Israel. Condemning Hamas’ terrorist attacks, NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg said that Israel has the right to defend itself and as the conflict unfolds, the protection of civilians is essential.
On the Western Balkans, Mr Stoltenberg briefed that NATO has deployed hundreds of extra troops to Kosovo to ensure KFOR has the forces it needs to fulfil its UN mandate impartially. He called on Belgrade and Pristina to behave responsibly, refrain from destabilising actions, and re-engage in the EU-facilitated dialogue. He added that in Bosnia, NATO continues to support the EU-led operation Althea, which plays a key role for regional stability. On Iraq, NATO’s mission is evolving to provide more support to the Iraqi security forces.
On deterrence and defence, Allies discussed the next steps in operationalising NATO’s new defence plans, including by assigning forces, developing new capabilities, and adjusting command and control.
Ministers also addressed damage to critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Allies expressed strong solidarity with Estonia and Finland as they work to establish the facts.
On 10 October, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Allies and partners in the US-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group. Allies assured President Zelenskyy that they would sustain and step up military aid to Kyiv as it braces for another wartime winter. In the first NATO-Ukraine Council at ministerial level, Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov updated Allies on the situation on the battlefield and Ukraine’s most urgent needs.
NATO Chiefs of Defence meeting, 15-17 SEPTEMBER 2023, Oslo
NATO Chiefs of Defence gathered in Oslo from 15 to 17 September 2023 for their annual Military Committee Conference.
NATO and Invitee ChoDs took forward the decisions taken at the Vilnius Summit in July 2023. During the summit in Vilnius, NATO’s political level decided to strengthen the alliance in various areas. The goal is to shift the alliance from being focused on international operations to defending its own territories.
Key to this are the Regional Plans – geographically specific plans – that are designed to deter and defend against the two threats described in the Strategic Concept and the NATO Military Strategy : Russia and terrorist groups.
The ChoDs addressed how to make these plans fully executable, including with :
- more troops on higher readiness;
- capability building and development;
- adaptation of NATO’s command and control structures;
- more enablement (logistics, host nation support, maintenance, replenishment and prepositioning of stocks, military mobility);
- more collective defence training and exercising.
G20 Summit, 9-10 SEPTEMBER 2023, New Delhi
Leaders met in New Delhi, India, for the 18th summit of the G20, the intergovernmental forum for international economic cooperation of the world’s major economies. The 2-day meeting, 9 and 10 September 2023 hosted by the Indian G20 presidency took place at a time of increasing political and economic rivalry, in which the world’s leading and emerging economies are shaping new alliances around the globe.
The themes chosen by the Indian Presidency and the decision taken by the G20 leaders to grant permanent member status to the African Union reflect the growing importance that the G20 members attach to the states from the Global South.
Under the theme “One Earth – One Family – One Future” , the G20 leaders discussed, among other topics :
- Russia’s war against Ukraine
- strong and sustainable growth
- sustainable development goals
- climate and environment
- digital transition
- gender equality
At the end of the summit, leaders issued a common declaration.
EU Foreign Affairs Council, 20 JULY 2023, Brussels
The Foreign Affairs Council, chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, after a short intervention via videoconference by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba.
The Council then exchanged views on the foreign policy dimension of economic security, and Türkiye over lunch.
In the afternoon, ministers had an informal exchange via videoconference with US State Secretary Antony Blinken.
Under current affairs the Council touched on, amongst others, China, the EU-CELAC summit of 17-18 July, Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the Middle East Peace Process.
The Council was preceded by an informal breakfast hosted by the High Representative with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk.
NATO Summit, 11-12 JULY 2023, Vilnius
In the build-up to the 2023 NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, the sense of history was palpable. The original NATO construct of 12 members, formed in 1949, is now 31 and will soon be 32 with Sweden’s accession. The alliance has endured plenty of instability in its lifetime, through the Cold War, the Suez crisis, the encircling of West Berlin and much more. Russia’s unrelenting 17-month war in Ukraine, a clear eye on China’s coercive behaviour and internal disagreements about the organisation’s role in the Indo-Pacific gave a sense of urgency and occasion to the summit, including for Australia.
The meeting was geared to tackle tough challenges, including Sweden’s and Ukraine’s bids for membership; security commitments to Ukraine, as a member or not; budgetary and preparedness challenges; future leadership, the Moscow–Beijing partnership; and Europe’s relationship with the Indo-Pacific.
European Council, 29-30 JUNE 2023, Luxembourg
EU leaders discussed continued support for Ukraine, notably sustainable military and financial support, and how to boost long-term economic strength and resilience in the EU.
They also discussed migration, the EU-China relationship and external relations.
NATO Defence Ministers meeting, 15-16 JUNE 2023, Brussels
NATO Defence Ministers concluded two days of meetings in Brussels in order to prepare for the Vilnius Summit in July.
Mr Stoltenberg said that “Ukrainian forces have stepped up operations along the front line, and are making progress – but they face tough terrain, dug-in Russian troops, and fierce fighting”. In this context, he underlined that increasing support for Ukraine remains crucial. He welcomed new announcements from Allies, including the initiative led by the Netherlands and Denmark to start training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets and, together with the United Kingdom and the United States, to deliver short and medium-range air defence missiles.
He also welcomed that Allies have so far made contributions and commitments amounting to 500 million euros to NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package, adding that NATO is working on a multi-year package with substantial funding for the Summit, and is also working to establish a new NATO-Ukraine Council, where Ukraine and Allies will consult and decide on security issues on an equal basis.
At the Vilnius Summit, Allies will also take steps to further strengthen deterrence and defence, including with new regional plans. Mr Stoltenberg highlighted that for the first time since the Cold War, Allies are “fully connecting the planning for our collective defence with the planning for our forces, capabilities, and command and control” and that NATO will have over 300,000 troops on high readiness, backed by substantial air and maritime capabilities “to defend every inch of Allied territory against any threat”. Ministers also agreed a new rotational model for air and missile defence; agreed substantially increase capability targets for battle-decisive ammunition; and reviewed the NATO Defence Production Action Plan, with measures to aggregate demand, boost capacity, and increase interoperability and interchangeability. Mr Stoltenberg said that he expects NATO Allies to make a more ambitious commitment to defence investment in Vilnius, with 2% of GDP for defence spending as a floor, not a ceiling.
NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group also met to discuss the nuclear aspects of the current security environment and the ongoing adaptation of NATO’s nuclear deterrence.
EU Foreign Affairs Council (Defence), 23 MAY 2023, Brussels
EU Ministers of Defence meet on 23 May 2023 in Brussels. The meeting was chaired by Josep BORRELL, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. They discussed EU support to Ukraine and EU missions and operations including CSDP/CFSP activities in Africa, the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity, and PESCO.
Over a working lunch, Ministers hold an informal exchange with the NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
EU defence cooperation: Council welcomes Denmark into PESCO and launches the 5th wave of new PESCO projects, 23 MAY 2023, Brussels
The Council has adopted a fifth wave of collaborative projects within the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) framework, with 11 new projects and a total of 15 Member States participating. The projects cover six military domains and include critical capabilities such as munitions, counter artillery and medium-size helicopter. The updated list of projects under PESCO now stands at 68.
The new projects will help increase the coherence of the European capability landscape and deliver operational benefits for European Armed Forces. Projects range from the development of new military capabilities and the identification of future needs in areas such as future military rotorcrafts and air-launched missiles, to communication infrastructure and joint training for defence airlift. The 11 new projects cover six military domains: training (1), land (2), maritime (3), air (2), cyber/C4ISR (2) and joint, enabling (1) and will be led by seven different Member States as project coordinators.
Furthermore, the Council confirmed the participation of Denmark in PESCO, several weeks after Denmark joined the EDA.
G7 Annual Summit, 21-21 MAY 2023, Hiroshima
The annual Group of Seven (G7) summit presents an opportunity for the world’s largest advanced democracies to coordinate on geopolitical, economic, and security issues. The G7 concluded its annual summit with the release of the G7 Hiroshima Leaders’ Communiqué on May 21, 2023. Japan, this year’s G7 president, hosted the summit in Hiroshima, where the leaders of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, along with representatives from the European Union and other invited guests, met to discuss a range of pressing global challenges.
EU Military Committee (EUMC), EU Chiefs of Defence, 11 MAY 2023, Brussels
EU Foreign Affairs Council, 24 APRIL 2023, Luxembourg
The latest developments in Ukraine following the Russian invasion and the coordinated response of the EU, as well as the ongoing efforts for de-escalation in Sudan were at the center of the Ministers’ discussions. They also exchanged views on other current affairs issues including the situation in Tunisia, Lebanon and Iran, as well as on the EU-China relations.
The Foreign Ministers had also a working lunch with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Mr Ilia Darchiashvili, with discussions expected to focus mainly on the European perspective of Georgia.
Finland joins NATO as 31st Ally, 04 APRIL 2023, Brussels
Finland became NATO’s newest member today (4 April 2023), upon depositing its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty with the United States at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. NATO Allies signed Finland’s Accession Protocol on 5 July 2022, after which all 30 national parliaments voted to ratify the country’s membership.
European Council, 23 MARCH 2023, Brussels
EU leaders met for a European Council summit on 23-24 March 2023. The main items on the agenda was the ongoing war in Ukraine, the competitive of the European single market and the economy, as well as energy prices and logistics.
The President of the European Council Charles Michel acknowledged Ukraine’s urgent need for more weapons and ammunition and confirmed that EU leaders will work on a proposal by High Representative Borrell to offer Kyiv assistance.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reported back from her meeting with US President Joe Biden, saying there is “a striking symmetry between the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the European Green Deal,” since both aim to fight climate change and boost investment and growth.
EU Foreign Affairs Council, 20 MARCH 2023, Brussels
EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs met on 20 March 2023 in Brussels. The meeting was chaired by Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The Council discussed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the situation in Tunisia. In the afternoon, Ministers of Defence joined for a discussion about the Strategic Compass and support to Ukraine.
EU Foreign Affairs Council, 20 FEBRUARY 2023
EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs met on 20 February 2023 in Brussels. The meeting was chaired by Josep Borell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The Council exchanged views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the situation in Afghanistan. They also focused on climate and energy diplomacy and current affairs.
EU Foreign Affairs Council, 23 JANUARY 2023, Brussels
EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs met on 23 January 2023 in Brussels. The meeting was chaired by Josep BORRELL, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The Council exchanged views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the Sahel and coastal countries of West Africa. They also held an informal exchange of views with the Palestinian Prime Minister.