Europe must prepare for war with Russia, NATO chief warns
"We must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents and great-grandparents endured," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned.
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Martin Fornusek
ReporterMartin Fornusek is a reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in international and regional politics, history, and disinformation. Based in Lviv, Martin often reports on international politics, with a focus on analyzing developments related to Ukraine and Russia. His career in journalism began in 2021 after graduating from Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, earning a Master's degree in Conflict and Democracy Studies. Martin has been invited to speak on Times Radio, France 24, Czech Television, and Radio Free Europe. He speaks English, Czech, and Ukrainian.
Articles
Europe's dilemma: Supporting Trump's Ukraine peace plan while hoping he walks away
U.S. policy choices are forcing Europe into a strategic moment it long tried to avoid.
As Washington sidelines allies, rewrites its National Security Strategy, and negotiates peace proposals for Ukraine, the foundations of the continent's security are shaking.
For many in European capitals, the realization is sinking in: Europe may soon need to protect itself in ways it has never had to since World War II.
Experts say the understanding is already there. What's missing is unity — and time.
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Europe's drive to bolster Ukraine faces two obstacles — Trump and Orban
As the U.S. ramps up pressure on Ukraine to accept a swift and potentially painful peace deal with Moscow, European allies seek to reassure Kyiv it is not alone.
For the EU, Ukraine is not merely a strategic partner standing between the bloc and Russian armies — it is also a future member.
Top European officials met in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv on Dec. 10-11 to advance Ukraine's EU accession and reaffirm their support.
But beneath the EU's confident tone, major obstacles persist — mo
Ukraine, EU agree to advance technical side of accession talks as Hungary blocks formal launch
The European Commission and Kyiv have agreed on a 10-point action plan to tackle corruption and strengthen democratic institutions in Ukraine as part of its path to membership, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos announced.
Trump's new security doctrine gives Putin exactly what he wants
The new U.S. National Security Strategy stunned Washington's allies, casting doubt on the entire post-Cold War security order in Europe.
The document takes a direct shot at the EU and questions some of the main principles of NATO, two pillars of Europe's political and security architecture. It also signals a retreat from the U.S.-led unipolar world while refocusing on the Western Hemisphere.
Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, the document notably avoids criticism of Russia, which has already
Lithuania declares state of emergency over smuggler balloons from Belarus
This move will allow state institutions to coordinate their response more effectively and involve the military.
Trump knows how to 'put leverage' on Russia, Ukraine to reach peace deal, US envoy says
While hailing "significant progress" in peace efforts, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker acknowledged that Trump could decide to "step away" if he sees there is "no deal to be had."
Netherlands allocates additional 700 million euros for Ukraine in 2026
The move follows an appeal from the parliament to release an additional 2 billion euros ($2.3 billion) in support for Kyiv for next year. The first sum of 700 million euros (almost $820 million) was described as the "first step."
Ukraine has no right to renounce territory — Zelensky comments on US-led peace efforts after talks with European leaders
"There are visions of the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine — and we don't have a unified view on Donbas," Zelensky told Bloomberg regarding the latest discussions on the peace plan for Ukraine.
Russian soldiers jailed over torture, murder of American pro-Kremlin fighter last year
Four Russian soldiers were given sentences in the range of 1.5 to 12 years for their involvement in the murder of Russell "Texas" Bentley and an attempt to conceal the crime.
US defense bill proposes $400 million a year in military aid for Ukraine through 2027
Congress is also calling for more frequent reporting of aid provided to Kyiv by its European allies, reflecting Washington's push for Europe to take on a greater share of responsibility for supporting Ukraine.
New US strategy document takes hard line on Europe's 'trajectory,' NATO enlargement
The document says that it is in the U.S. interest to "negotiate an expeditious cessation of hostilities in Ukraine" to enable the country's post-war recovery, stabilization of European economies, and to "reestablish strategic stability with Russia."
Who is Dan Driscoll, 'JD Vance's man' leading talks with Ukraine
Dan Driscoll, the U.S. army secretary known as an ardent advocate of military modernization, was thrust into an unexpected role as Washington's leading negotiator in Ukraine.
His trip to Kyiv last month, which was expected to focus on technology cooperation, instead saw him present Ukraine with a U.S.-Russia-drafted peace plan that imposed punishing conditions on Kyiv.
Despite having no prior diplomatic experience, the 39-year-old Pentagon official remains a key figure in the ongoing talks as
Cyprus's president meets Zelensky in Kyiv as Nicosia prepares to chair EU Council
The visit comes as Cyprus is about to take over the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU in January, with Nicosia viewing enlargement as a "key priority," a Cypriot government spokesperson said.
US Senate opposes Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine, says Sen. Welch
The Kyiv Independent’s Martin Fornusek speaks with U.S. Senator Peter Welch about the bipartisan Senate backlash to the Trump administration’s 28-point Ukraine peace plan. Welch explains why the U.S. must defer to Ukraine on the terms of peace and why he supports tougher sanctions and stronger military aid to counter Russia’s aggression.
