France, UK Now Europe’s Military Leaders, Says Czech PM
France and the UK now lead Europe’s defense, Czech PM Petr Fiala states, citing Russian aggression and Trump-era NATO pressure.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala says France and the UK now represent Europe’s “concrete power,” highlighting their nuclear and military capabilities amid Russia’s aggression and U.S. disengagement under President Trump.
Post-War Ukraine Security Plans
Paris and London are coordinating a “coalition of the willing” to secure Ukraine if a ceasefire with Russia is reached. Meetings at the UK’s Northwood base involve military planning for future deployments.
Fiala praised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s strong stance on Ukraine but emphasized this defense role is not a path back to the EU. He supports security-focused cooperation, not political reintegration.
Fiala warned that a win by populist Andrej Babiš in October elections could lead to ending military aid to Ukraine. Babiš has backed Trump’s ceasefire efforts and opposes defense spending, prompting accusations of indirectly aiding Putin—a charge he denies.