Kremlin Accuses Europe of Military Escalation Amid Ukraine Talks

The Kremlin has accused European nations of prioritizing militarization over diplomacy, as Western military leaders convene in Britain to discuss strategies for protecting Ukraine.

The meeting, attended by top military officials from around 30 countries, underscores the growing divide between Russia and European powers over the ongoing conflict.

Since Donald Trump assumed office in January, major European nations, including France and the UK, have intensified efforts to boost military spending, fearing that the United States may no longer be fully committed to European defense.

With Trump forging closer ties with the Kremlin, Russia has increasingly shifted its ire towards Europe, accusing the EU and UK of being primary obstacles to peace.

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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized European nations for their approach, stating, “For the most part, the signals from Brussels and European capitals concern plans to militarize Europe. Europe has embarked on a militarization of itself and has turned into somewhat of a war party.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are spearheading efforts to form a so-called “coalition of the willing”, aimed at providing security guarantees to Ukraine. Starmer is expected to address the military summit, outlining strategies to counter Russian aggression.

Both Starmer and Macron have signaled willingness to deploy peacekeepers in Ukraine, should a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv be reached.

However, the Kremlin has vehemently opposed this idea. Additionally, Macron has suggested expanding France’s nuclear umbrella to cover the entire European Union, a move that has further provoked Moscow.

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Russia’s Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu condemned the proposals, stating they “reflect the anti-Russian sentiment that reigns in Europe today.”

Meanwhile, tensions between Moscow and Berlin have escalated following German Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz’s call for a major defense spending boost and his assertion that Russia is waging a war of aggression against Europe.

In response, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed Merz’s remarks as a sign of Germany’s “historical revenge” motives, insisting that “Russia has no plans to attack Europe. If Germany makes such statements, it means Germany has the plans.”