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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Dan Sabbagh Defence and security editor

Why are European defence leaders talking about war?

European Union NATO Europe Donald Trump Ukraine United States Vladimir Putin Russia United Kingdom Boris Pistorius
A Leopard 2 tank fires during training at a military base in 2022. Germany’s Manfred Weber has suggested the EU should take over from Nato in defending the continent.
A Leopard 2 tank fires during training at a military base in 2022. Germany’s Manfred Weber has suggested the EU should take over from Nato in defending the continent. Photograph: Fabian Bimmer/Reuters

A wave of anxiety has gripped European defence ministers and armed forces as politicians and military leaders believe that Nato-sceptic Donald Trump could be elected as the next president of the US – and that Russia may not be forced out or defeated in Ukraine. This febrile mood has prompted growing warnings that Europe could find itself involved in a war in Russia, even though at present Russia is embroiled in Ukraine.

At the same time, tensions in the Middle East have continued to rise. Israel’s assault on Gaza continues; hostilities with Iran-aligned Hezbollah in Lebanon increase; and the US and the UK launched bombing raids on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen to halt raids on shipping in the Red Sea.

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