The proposal, raised by Putin over the weekend as he signaled openness to discussing postwar security arrangements in Europe, was swiftly dismissed by EU officials who questioned both Russia’s intentions and Schroeder’s neutrality because of his longstanding ties to the Kremlin and Russian state energy companies.
“We would not be very wise to allow Russia to appoint a negotiator on our behalf,” Kaja Kallas told reporters during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

Kallas said Schroeder’s close relationship with Putin made him unsuitable for any mediating role, adding that Moscow had shown no evidence it was prepared to engage sincerely in peace or security negotiations linked to the war in Ukraine.

Germany’s Europe minister, Gunther Krichbaum, also rejected the suggestion, saying Schroeder could not be considered an “honest broker” because of his political and business connections to Russia.

Schroeder, who served as German chancellor from 1998 to 2005, has maintained close personal ties with Putin and previously held senior roles in Russian state-controlled energy firms, relationships that have drawn sustained criticism across Europe since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha similarly dismissed any role for Schroeder but said European governments could participate in negotiations complementary to ongoing U.S.-led diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

A source familiar with the discussions said Sybiha proposed that European officials help mediate a narrower agreement between Russia and Ukraine to halt attacks on each other’s airports, describing the initiative as a more achievable objective than a comprehensive settlement to end the war.

The discussions reflect growing debate inside the EU over whether the bloc should eventually establish direct diplomatic channels with Moscow after more than four years of political isolation and sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion.

Antonio Costa said last week he had begun consultations with European leaders on how the bloc should organize itself for possible future talks with Russia when conditions become appropriate.

Several ministers, however, argued the EU should intensify economic and political pressure on Moscow before considering formal negotiations or appointing any envoy.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said the immediate priority should be strengthening the bloc’s leverage against Russia rather than selecting mediators.

Austria’s foreign minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, said the EU should prepare to become more directly engaged in diplomacy with Moscow, while stressing that decisions on representation would be made by European governments, not Russia.

The Pentagon announced last week that around 5,000 troops would be withdrawn, but Trump said on Saturday the reductions would go “a lot further,” without providing details or a timeline. The decision comes amid tensions between Washington and European capitals over the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and what U.S. officials see as limited European involvement.

Speaking at a summit in Yerevan, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the move should not be overstated but underscored expectations that Europe take on greater responsibility for its own security. He added that any adjustments should be managed within the framework of NATO.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said discussions about reducing U.S. troop presence in Europe were not new, but the timing of the announcement was unexpected. She said the development highlighted the need to strengthen the European pillar within NATO.

NATO officials said they were seeking further clarification from Washington. Alliance spokesperson Allison Hart said discussions were ongoing to understand the implications for U.S. force posture in Germany.NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte played down the decision, linking it to broader U.S. dissatisfaction with European responses to the Iran conflict.

He said European allies had taken note of U.S. concerns and were working to implement existing basing agreements and position key military assets closer to potential operational theaters.The troop reduction follows earlier signals from Washington that a drawdown in Europe was likely. Some U.S. forces had already been withdrawn from Romania in October, although U.S. officials had previously indicated such changes would be coordinated with allies to avoid creating security gaps.

Tensions have also emerged over operational support for U.S. actions in the Middle East. Countries including Spain, France and the United Kingdom have declined to grant full access to bases or airspace for operations linked to the Iran conflict, reflecting divisions within the alliance over the scope of involvement.

European governments have signaled they are stepping up preparations, including positioning military resources closer to strategic regions, though officials have provided limited detail. Leaders have also indicated reluctance to engage in securing key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz until the conflict subsides.

Trump made the remarks in a social media post after Merz said earlier this week that the United States was being “humiliated” by Iran’s leadership and questioned Washington’s strategy in the conflict, which has entered its third month and has disrupted global energy flows.

“The United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time,” Trump wrote.The threat marked the latest strain in relations between Washington and Berlin as Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO allies for refusing to support the U.S. military campaign against Iran, while European leaders have raised concerns over the economic consequences of prolonged instability in the Gulf.

Merz said on Wednesday that his personal relationship with Trump remained “as good as ever,” but added that he had “had doubts from the very beginning about what was started there with the war in Iran.”Speaking hours before Trump’s post, Merz said Germany and Europe were facing significant economic pressure from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping route through which around one-fifth of global oil supply had moved before the conflict began on Feb. 28.

“We are suffering considerably in Germany and in Europe from the consequences of, for example, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz,” Merz said. “And in that regard, I urge that this conflict be resolved.”The waterway has remained effectively shut since hostilities intensified, adding to volatility in global energy markets and raising fears of wider supply disruptions across Europe and Asia.

Merz, who met Trump at the White House in March shortly after the U.S. and Israel launched bombardments against Iran, had then said Germany was prepared to work with Washington on a strategy for a post-conflict regional order if Iran’s current government were to fall.

He also warned that an extended war could inflict serious damage on the global economy.

Trump, however, has openly attacked the German chancellor in recent days. On Tuesday, he said Merz wrongly believed Iran should be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon and wrote that the German leader “doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

“It’s no surprise that Germany is doing so poorly, both economically and in other respects,” Trump added.The dispute has revived memories of Trump’s first term, when he sought to withdraw about 9,500 of the roughly 34,500 U.S. troops then stationed in Germany, arguing Berlin was failing to spend enough on defense. That plan was announced in 2020 but never implemented, and former President Joe Biden formally halted it after taking office in 2021.

Germany hosts several major U.S. military installations, including the headquarters of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, Ramstein Air Base, and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the largest American military hospital outside the United States.

Merz said his government remained “on good speaking terms” with the Trump administration despite the latest dispute.

Speaking alongside Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during a visit to Athens, Macron said Article 42.7 of the European Union treaty was explicit in obliging member states to assist one another in the event of armed aggression.

“On Article 42, paragraph seven, we know that for us, it is clear and there is no room for interpretation or ambiguity,” Macron told reporters at a joint news conference.The provision, often described as the EU’s equivalent of NATO’s collective defense principle, requires member states to provide aid and assistance to a fellow member subjected to armed attack on its territory.

Macron’s remarks come as EU leaders have asked officials to prepare a detailed blueprint clarifying how the clause would function operationally, reflecting a broader reassessment of Europe’s strategic autonomy and defense readiness.

The renewed focus follows mounting concern among European governments over Washington’s long-term commitment to NATO, particularly after repeated political debates in the United States over burden-sharing and military support for allies.

France has long argued for stronger independent European defense structures, with Macron repeatedly calling for greater strategic sovereignty and reduced reliance on U.S. military guarantees.Greece, which maintains one of the highest defense spending levels in the bloc relative to GDP, has supported efforts to deepen European security coordination, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions in the eastern Mediterranean.

While Article 42.7 was invoked only once by France after the 2015 Paris attacks its practical implementation has remained largely undefined, prompting calls for clearer procedures on military, logistical, and political responses.

Officials say the new framework under discussion is intended to ensure that the clause can function credibly in future crises, especially as the EU faces simultaneous security pressures from Russia’s war in Ukraine and instability across the Middle East.

Macron’s comments in Athens are likely to reinforce ongoing debates within Europe over whether the bloc should move beyond economic integration toward a more explicit collective defense posture.

Speaking to German broadcaster ZDF, Zelensky said US negotiators, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, were heavily engaged in Middle East diplomacy, leaving limited bandwidth for advancing peace efforts in Ukraine.

He described both figures as “pragmatic” but indicated their current focus had shifted toward managing tensions involving Iran.Zelensky said that a lack of sustained US pressure on Moscow risks emboldening the Kremlin.

“If the United States does not put pressure on Putin and only engages in a gentle dialogue with the Russians, then they will no longer be afraid,” he said.Negotiations aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine have stalled in recent weeks, with no direct talks reported since February meetings in Geneva.

The diplomatic slowdown coincides with the escalation of conflict in the Middle East in late March, which has drawn significant US strategic and military attention.Zelensky also highlighted disruptions in US arms deliveries to Ukraine, calling the situation “a big problem,” particularly in the supply of air defense systems.

He pointed to shortages in PAC-3 and PAC-2 interceptor missiles, which are critical for countering aerial threats.According to Zelensky, these systems are largely procured through the PURL program, a mechanism established last year that allows European countries to finance US military equipment for Ukraine.

He said deliveries under the program had slowed, creating operational challenges for Ukrainian forces.“At the very beginning of the war in the Middle East we understood that we can have challenges,” Zelensky said, adding that the delays have placed Ukraine in a “very difficult position.”

Later in Norway, Zelensky met Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, where the two countries signed a joint declaration aimed at enhancing defense and security cooperation. The agreement includes plans to expand collaboration between defense industries and initiate production of Ukrainian drones in Norway.

Earlier in the day, Zelensky led a delegation to Berlin for talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and senior officials.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defense ties and advancing a broader strategic partnership amid the protracted conflict with Russia, now in its fifth year.

The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) said the alert was issued in coordination with Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, the BND, and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The group, also known as “Fancy Bear,” has been attributed by Western governments to Russia’s military intelligence service, the GRU.According to the BfV, APT28 exploited weaknesses in TP-Link routers, affecting several thousand devices worldwide, including about 30 in Germany.

In some cases, authorities confirmed breaches, leading operators to replace compromised hardware.The agency said the campaign was aimed at facilitating surveillance of sensitive targets, including state institutions and key infrastructure networks.

APT28 has previously been linked to cyberattacks against Germany’s parliament, the Social Democratic Party and air traffic control systems, underscoring its long-standing role in espionage operations targeting European institutions.

German authorities urged heightened vigilance and coordination among operators to mitigate risks posed by the ongoing campaign.

Italy has introduced a new integrated air defence concept known as the “Michelangelo Dome,” a system designed to link land, sea, air, and space platforms to counter modern threats ranging from drones to hypersonic missiles.

Italy’s defence and aerospace group Leonardo has presented a major new air defence initiative aimed at strengthening national and European security through a networked, multi-layered protection system capable of responding to evolving global threats.

The project, named the “Michelangelo Dome,” is intended to safeguard critical infrastructure and strategically important areas while supporting broader European and NATO defence objectives.

The system brings together technologies across different operational domains, allowing sensors, interceptors, radar platforms, and command networks to operate in a unified structure that enhances situational awareness and speeds up response times.

By integrating capabilities across space, air, land, and sea, the initiative aims to create a flexible shield against threats that are becoming increasingly fast, diverse, and unpredictable.

Leonardo has described the Michelangelo Dome as a next-generation solution that would operate in a manner similar to Israel’s Iron Dome, providing the ability to detect, track, intercept, and neutralise incoming rockets, missiles, drones, and other aerial threats before they can cause damage.

This approach reflects a growing urgency across Europe as defence ministries reassess vulnerabilities in key sectors such as energy facilities, transport hubs, government centres, and strategic industrial zones.

During the unveiling event in Rome, Leonardo’s leadership highlighted the significance of developing an advanced protection system that enhances coordination between military assets and civilian agencies.

The company emphasized that strengthening air defence frameworks will play a vital role in ensuring Europe’s preparedness amid increasing geopolitical tensions and rapid shifts in technological warfare.

Leonardo announced plans to form a collaborative design team that will include both company engineers and members of the Italian armed forces, allowing the architecture of the system to reflect real operational requirements.

The joint team will focus on creating a robust defence network capable of adapting to the needs of national security forces while remaining compatible with the defence strategies of European partners.

The system is expected to undergo phased implementation, with partial deployment targeted ahead of its full operational readiness set for 2028, marking a significant milestone in Italy’s long-term defence strategy.

In recent days, the project has also been presented to senior military officials, signalling its importance within Italy’s current and future defence planning.

Italy’s Defence Ministry has recently placed growing emphasis on countering hybrid warfare threats, with particular concern surrounding energy infrastructure, airports, communication networks, and other facilities that could be vulnerable to both kinetic and cyber-enabled attacks.

Officials have argued that building a comprehensive air defence layer is essential for protecting these strategic assets in a security environment defined by rapid escalation potential.

Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stated that the new system is designed to allow each participating country to integrate its own technological strengths while contributing to a broader shared defence architecture.

He noted that collaboration across Europe will be key to building a unified system capable of addressing threats ranging from hypersonic missiles to small, low-cost drones used in asymmetric warfare.

Crosetto added that Italy has already begun discussing potential cooperation on the project with several European nations, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for collective security solutions.

He stressed that the future of defence lies in combining national innovation with cross-border coordination to create structures that are more resilient and capable of responding to the full spectrum of modern challenges.

The Michelangelo Dome arrives at a time when countries across Europe are accelerating defence investments and revisiting security strategies in light of ongoing geopolitical instability.

The introduction of a multi-layered defence system underscores Italy’s intention to play an active role in shaping Europe’s broader defence landscape while enhancing its own national capabilities.

As the project moves forward, analysts will be watching closely to evaluate how the system evolves, how it integrates with existing defence frameworks, and how effectively it can respond to emerging technologies that continue to reshape the nature of air and missile threats worldwide.

For Italy, the development marks a significant step toward a future in which comprehensive, interconnected defence solutions become central part of national and continental security planning.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has reaffirmed the alliance’s strength and unity after the successful completion of its annual nuclear exercise, stating that the drills showcased the credibility and preparedness of NATO’s nuclear deterrence capabilities in the face of rising tensions with Russia.

Speaking to German media, Rutte emphasized that the exercise, conducted earlier this month, demonstrated the alliance’s ability to respond decisively to any form of nuclear intimidation.

“When Russia is using dangerous and reckless nuclear rhetoric, our populations must know that there is no need to panic, because NATO has a strong nuclear deterrent,” he said.

Rutte’s remarks come at a critical time, as Russia continues to issue nuclear threats in connection with its war in Ukraine. The NATO chief sought to reassure citizens across member nations that the alliance remains capable and united in its commitment to collective defense.

“Putin must know that nuclear war can never be won and must never be fought,” Rutte added, echoing a long-standing principle that has underpinned global nuclear stability for decades.

The annual NATO nuclear exercise, known for its strict operational secrecy, brings together multiple member states to test readiness and coordination.

This year’s drills reportedly included simulated flight operations, nuclear strike scenarios, and rapid-response coordination between ground, air, and naval forces.

The exercises are seen as a vital demonstration of the alliance’s defensive posture and its message of deterrence against any nuclear escalation.

Rutte, who took over as NATO Secretary-General earlier this year, has been vocal about strengthening deterrence and reinforcing unity among members.

His leadership comes at a moment when the alliance faces one of its most complex security environments in decades, marked by the ongoing war in Ukraine, cyber threats, and increasing geopolitical competition.

He noted that while NATO does not seek confrontation, it cannot afford complacency. “Our deterrence remains defensive, measured, and responsible,” Rutte said. “But it is also unshakable. Every adversary must understand that NATO will defend every inch of allied territory.”

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly issued nuclear warnings since launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In October, he declared that Moscow could consider using nuclear weapons if struck by conventional missiles, and that any attack supported by a nuclear power would be treated as a joint assault on Russia. These comments have intensified global concerns about the potential for escalation.

Rutte, however, stressed that NATO remains firmly focused on preventing such a scenario. The alliance’s collective deterrence strategy, he explained, is built not just on nuclear capabilities but also on diplomacy, strategic stability, and transparency among allies. “Our goal is not to provoke conflict but to preserve peace through strength,” he said.

The NATO chief’s confidence follows a broader pattern of reassurance within the alliance. Member nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, and France — all nuclear powers — have reaffirmed their commitments to NATO’s shared defense framework. These exercises serve both as a technical test of readiness and as a political signal of cohesion among allies.

Analysts say Rutte’s strong stance sends a message of stability to both allies and adversaries. It underscores NATO’s capability to deter aggression while maintaining the balance of power that has prevented direct conflict between nuclear states since the Cold War.

As tensions between Russia and the West remain high, the success of NATO’s nuclear drills reinforces a clear message: the alliance is alert, united, and prepared.

For citizens across Europe and North America, Rutte’s words serve as a reminder that deterrence, discipline, and diplomacy remain central to NATO’s mission — ensuring that the shadow of nuclear war stays where it belongs: in history, not in reality.

Strong growth across defense, space, and electronics divisions positions Leonardo for another record-breaking year as Europe’s security and innovation leader.

Italy’s aerospace and defense giant Leonardo has expressed confidence that it will exceed its 2025 financial targets, following an exceptional performance during the first nine months of the year.

Chief Executive Roberto Cingolani announced that the group’s strong results in orders, revenues, and profits have created the momentum needed to surpass expectations and close the year on a high note.

During an investor call, Cingolani stated that he was “confident with the numbers” and optimistic that the company would go beyond its initial projections.

Although Leonardo did not officially revise its financial guidance, the leadership made it clear that the trajectory of growth, supported by robust contracts and technological advancements, points to a stronger-than-expected year-end performance.

Leonardo has reported double-digit growth in orders, revenues, and core profits for the first three quarters of 2025. The company’s success was driven by major contributions from its aerospace, electronics, and space divisions, along with a significant support and training contract for the Kuwaiti Air Force’s Eurofighter program.

This contract, part of Leonardo’s expanding global defense footprint, has been instrumental in boosting the group’s revenues and reaffirming its reputation as a trusted international defense partner.

Chief Financial Officer Alessandra Genco added that although order intake is not consistent throughout the year, Leonardo remains on track to meet the guidance range it established mid-year.

In July, the company had improved its full-year outlook, setting ambitious targets for orders between 22.25 billion and 22.75 billion euros, alongside strong free cash flow and lower net debt.

With demand for advanced defense systems, helicopters, and electronics solutions on the rise, the company now stands poised to surpass those estimates.

One of Leonardo’s strongest-performing divisions continues to be its electronics sector, which has seen increased demand for cutting-edge radar, communication, and surveillance systems.

These technologies play a vital role in enhancing the defense capabilities of European and international allies, particularly in light of evolving global security challenges.

Meanwhile, Leonardo’s helicopter division continues to record strong sales and operational performance, supported by modernization projects and growing export demand.

In the space industry, Leonardo’s growth has been equally impressive. The company’s joint venture with France’s Thales, known as Telespazio, and its expanding manufacturing activities have positioned it as a key player in Europe’s rapidly advancing space sector.

With a strategic focus on innovation and sustainable technology, Leonardo is aligning itself with the future of defense and aerospace — where digitalization, AI integration, and space-based solutions are redefining modern security systems.

On the topic of divestments, Leonardo recently reduced its stake in the rocket manufacturer Avio from just under 29 percent to just over 19 percent.

CEO Roberto Cingolani explained that this decision was part of a rational strategic move to avoid duplication within its missile-related businesses.

Leonardo already plays a significant role in MBDA, a European missile manufacturing consortium that includes Airbus and BAE Systems.

According to Cingolani, maintaining involvement in both MBDA and Avio would have led to overlapping functions, and the company believes it is wiser to focus its resources where they bring the most synergy and innovation.

Despite reducing its share in Avio, Leonardo intends to retain a stake and remain an important partner in Europe’s defense ecosystem.

The company’s leadership emphasized that other investors are likely to contribute to Avio’s expansion, particularly as the rocket maker undertakes a 400-million-euro capital increase to fund new U.S. production facilities for solid rocket motors.

Leonardo’s upward trajectory also reflects the broader increase in European defense spending following the geopolitical shifts of recent years.

The company has been quick to respond to these changes by strengthening partnerships across Europe and beyond.

Collaborations with Germany’s Rheinmetall and Turkey’s Baykar have enhanced Leonardo’s capabilities in drone technology and next-generation defense solutions, ensuring it remains at the forefront of technological innovation in the global defense market.

As 2025 enters its final quarter, Leonardo’s growth story continues to embody resilience, innovation, and strategic foresight.

The company’s ability to expand across multiple high-tech domains—while maintaining fiscal discipline and investing in next-generation solutions—has solidified its status as a cornerstone of European industrial strength.

Under Cingolani’s leadership, Leonardo is not only exceeding its own targets but also setting new standards for responsible growth in defense, aerospace, and space technology.

The group’s success serves as a reflection of Europe’s renewed focus on security and innovation, proving that sustainable progress and economic resilience can go hand in hand.

The alliance emphasized that recent adjustments to U.S. troop deployments are part of ongoing strategic planning aimed at ensuring flexibility, readiness, and long-term stability in the region.

A NATO official explained that modifications in force posture are not unusual and reflect the alliance’s capacity to adapt to evolving security needs.

The official highlighted that even with the current adjustments, the U.S. military presence in Europe remains larger than it has been in many years, demonstrating Washington’s continued commitment to supporting its European allies and safeguarding the continent’s stability.

The reassurance came after reports of troop adjustments on NATO’s eastern flank, particularly in Romania and neighboring states.

According to the official, NATO and the United States remain in constant dialogue about the optimal distribution of forces, ensuring that collective defense goals are met while enhancing coordination across land, air, and maritime domains.

This collaborative planning underscores the alliance’s unity and its focus on deterrence and defense.

The ongoing communication between NATO headquarters in Brussels and U.S. defense authorities reflects the alliance’s broader strategy of flexibility and partnership.

The NATO official emphasized that all decisions regarding deployments are made in close consultation among allies, maintaining transparency and trust throughout the process.

This collaborative approach ensures that every member state remains informed and aligned with broader strategic objectives.

The adjustments are designed not as a reduction in commitment but as a recalibration that strengthens operational efficiency.

By redistributing forces and updating deployment patterns, NATO and the U.S. aim to enhance rapid response capabilities and ensure a more effective presence across Europe.

This approach aligns with the alliance’s broader modernization efforts, which include strengthening infrastructure, improving logistics, and expanding joint training exercises.

NATO’s leadership reiterated that its deterrence posture remains strong and fully capable of defending every inch of allied territory.

In recent years, the alliance has made significant investments in its defense readiness, integrating advanced technologies and improving interoperability among member states.

These measures ensure that NATO can respond swiftly to any emerging security challenges while continuing to promote peace and stability across Europe.

Romania and other eastern European members have played a crucial role in supporting NATO’s presence along the alliance’s frontier.

The cooperation between these nations and the United States has contributed to improved regional security and demonstrated the strength of NATO’s collective defense principle.

Through continued coordination, the alliance aims to maintain a balance between defensive preparedness and diplomatic engagement.

The transatlantic relationship remains at the heart of NATO’s success. The alliance’s ability to coordinate seamlessly with the United States reflects decades of trust, shared values, and mutual commitment to global security.

As the world navigates complex geopolitical changes, NATO’s adaptability ensures that its defense posture remains strong, credible, and responsive to future challenges.

Beyond military coordination, NATO continues to strengthen its partnerships in innovation, cyber defense, and resilience. Member states are increasingly focusing on emerging technologies and hybrid threats, reinforcing their collective ability to anticipate and manage risks.

These efforts are supported by joint research, intelligence sharing, and multinational exercises that deepen cooperation across all levels of the alliance.

The reaffirmation of U.S.-NATO unity sends a powerful message of reassurance to member countries and partners alike. It highlights that the alliance remains as strong and united as ever, capable of adapting to new realities while preserving peace in Europe.

The ongoing dialogue and coordination between Washington and Brussels continue to reinforce the shared vision of a secure, stable, and prosperous transatlantic community.