Must Reads

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: Pistorius sees no willingness for peace on Putin’s part. According to Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius, the American nuclear umbrella will remain indispensable for the foreseeable future; he considers discussions about alternative nuclear protection mechanisms to be premature. Concerning the planned new military service, the German government is initially relying on voluntary service, but does not rule out the possibility of a later obligation in order to achieve the NATO targets. To the article.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung: Country report from NATO’s eastern flank. Lithuania is responding to the threat from Russia by comprehensively strengthening its defense capabilities. At the center of the measures is the permanently stationed Bundeswehr brigade. Lithuania is investing heavily in cyber defense, infrastructure, and the involvement of civil society in defense. To the article.

Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik: Poland’s changing security policy. Warsaw is looking for new security policy options within the EU and with European states, but remains intent on striking a balance between transatlantic ties and European independence. Within the EU, Poland is driving forward the strengthening of joint defense structures and financing instruments. To the article.

International Institute for Strategic Studies: More money for the Pentagon. The defense budget for the 2026 fiscal year under President Trump provides for a significant increase in spending, with a focus on modernizing the armed forces, expanding the „Golden Dome“ missile defense system, and strengthening the shipbuilding industry. Some of the funding is still uncertain; much of the money would also be one-off. To the article.

The Conversation: Criticism of Israel. The UK, France and Canada have criticized Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip as a disproportionate escalation and are calling for an immediate end to military operations and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid. They warn that in the absence of progress, „concrete measures“ such as sanctions, the suspension of trade talks, or diplomatic steps could follow. To the article.