European leaders seek unified defense force for Ukraine

European leaders are pushing for a unified defence force in response to concerns about the future of US support for Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron is leading this initiative, which aims to raise €650 billion over the next three to five years. The goal is to strengthen Europe’s military capabilities amid uncertainty surrounding US policy under President Donald Trump and NATO dynamics. Currently, the US provides 20 percent of Ukraine's military equipment, with European nations supplying the rest. As the threat of a US withdrawal looms, several options are being considered. These include creating a European peacekeeping force, a joint army to support Ukraine, and a shared arms stockpile. Each option faces challenges, such as potential Russian threats and the need for increased spending among EU member states. Macron has also suggested that the nuclear protection of Europe should be expanded. However, with only France and the UK having nuclear weapons, doubts remain about how effective this would be without NATO’s support. To fund these ambitious plans, the European Commission is looking into using the European Investment Bank for defence projects. There are also discussions about establishing a common defence budget, but economic challenges make it difficult for member states to contribute. In a supportive gesture, China has expressed backing for Europe’s defence efforts. Chinese leaders have indicated their disagreement with US proposals for a ceasefire in Ukraine that do not involve the Ukrainian government. This highlights the changing dynamics of international support as Europe seeks to enhance its military independence.