Germany has become the first European country to deploy the advanced Arrow air defense system. It is designed to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles, such as Russia's "Oreshnik," and will be deployed in three locations by 2030.
Germany will purchase American weapons for Ukraine for $200 million under the PURL program. An additional $25 million will be allocated for winter equipment and medical supplies for the Armed Forces of Ukraine from NATO.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned against forcing Ukraine into unilateral territorial concessions. He emphasized that Ukraine must remain capable of defending itself in the future.
The German Chancellor's Cabinet has approved a law allowing the Bundeswehr to shoot down unknown drones suspected of spying on military bases and industrial facilities. The military will be able to use force against UAVs at the request of local police, using weapons or jammers.
The Russian State Duma approved an increase in VAT from 20% to 22% starting in 2026, expecting an additional trillion rubles for the budget. The changes also lower the annual income threshold for businesses required to collect VAT from 60 to 10 million rubles.
The deployment of NATO troops to the eastern flank in the event of a full-scale Russian invasion could take 45 days, while the EU aims to reduce this period to 3-5 days. The problem lies in different railway track gauge standards and bureaucracy, which complicates the movement of troops across Europe.
NATO Assistant Secretary General Boris Ruge stated that there is no single position within the Alliance regarding the possibility of shooting down Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine, even if they threaten allies. NATO is focused on protecting the airspace of member countries and supports Ukraine with air defense systems.
Belgium has purchased autonomous Blaze drones from the Latvian company Origin Robotics to detect and neutralize enemy aircraft. This is part of a 50 million euro package of measures aimed at countering drones after a series of incidents.
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, in response to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' warning about a possible Russian attack on NATO, that Russia "may take measures to ensure security. " But he stressed that Moscow does not seek confrontation with NATO countries.
The European Union has begun work on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. The goal is to further pressure the aggressor, with potential targets including energy companies and vessels.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has approved the sale of air defense systems worth $3. 5 billion to Germany. Berlin requested 173 Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) Block I missiles and 577 Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC missiles, as well as related equipment.
Germany will allocate 150 million euros for the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine within the framework of the PURL mechanism. This initiative provides for accelerated delivery of American weapons to Ukraine, financed by European partners.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius suggested that drone sightings over Belgium could be related to discussions about the use of frozen Russian assets. Belgium holds 183 billion euros in Russian assets, which constitutes the majority of all Russian state assets in the EU.
The development of a joint British-German long-range missile within the framework of the "Trinity House" defense partnership is gaining momentum. British Defense Minister John Healey confirmed active technical work on the missile, which will have a range of over 2000 kilometers.
The German government is planning an unprecedented upgrade of its military capabilities. A €377 billion procurement plan is intended to make the Bundeswehr the most powerful army in Europe.
In the Bavarian city of Erding, police wounded a Bundeswehr soldier with live ammunition during exercises. Soldiers in balaclavas with weapons opened fire with blank cartridges at police officers who arrived at the call of local residents.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius intends to order 15 F-35A fighter jets for 2. 5 billion euros. This will supplement the 35 aircraft already ordered, which are scheduled to start arriving in 2027.
Ukraine and Germany are strengthening cooperation in the defense industry. The agreement creates a framework for expanding bilateral cooperation in the field of defense industry, technology, and innovation.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Ukraine is a world leader in drone technology and combating them. NATO uses Ukraine's knowledge and will take additional measures to combat Russian drones.
Germany will deploy Eurofighter jets to the Polish military airbase in Malbork. This decision was made to protect NATO's eastern flank, as stated by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
Germany is discussing the reintroduction of military service, proposing a lottery system for conscription if there are not enough volunteers. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed dissatisfaction with the compromise, considering it impractical.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supports a return to compulsory military service in the long term. For now, he supports the voluntary model proposed by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
The discussion of the new Military Service Law in the German Bundestag has been postponed until next week. Defense Minister Pistorius criticized the CDU/CSU for delaying the implementation of new military service and military registration systems in Germany.
The head of the UK Space Command reported that Russia attempts to jam the country's military satellites weekly. In response to growing international tensions, the UK and the US conducted their first coordinated satellite maneuver in space.
The European Commission has proposed four key defense projects, including a drone wall to block Russian air aggression. These proposals will be discussed at an informal meeting of EU leaders in Copenhagen.
Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Ivan Havryliuk stated that Ukraine expects the supply of Swedish Gripen, French Mirage, and additional F-16s. The exact dates and number of deliveries are not yet disclosed, but Kyiv has also appealed to partners for at least ten Patriot systems.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that negotiations with Russia are largely ineffective, and therefore Europeans should focus on strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. He emphasized that diplomatic efforts are not leading to a breakthrough, and the goal is for Ukraine to be strong to achieve lasting peace.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced the strengthening of air defense on NATO's eastern flank. Germany will transfer two more Patriot systems to Ukraine by the end of the year and send units with anti-drone systems to Denmark.
Two Russian reconnaissance satellites, Luch-Olymp, are tracking spacecraft used by the German military. This indicates serious strategic threats in space, where Russia and China already hold important positions.
A Russian fighter jet flew over a German Navy frigate in the Baltic Sea, which German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called a provocation. He compared the incident to recent Russian violations of Polish and Estonian airspace.
