NewsEuropean Commission Chief urges defence awakening amidst global tensions

European Commission Chief urges defence awakening amidst global tensions

The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen appeals to EU leaders
The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen appeals to EU leaders
Images source: © PAP | OLIVIER MATTHYS
ed. ROP

18 April 2024 08:59

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said, "A league of authoritarian states is actively working to dismantle the international order." She emphasized that this situation demands a "European awakening" in defence and security matters.

During a conference in Brussels titled "European Summit on Defense and Security," von der Leyen highlighted the current global tensions. She mentioned the Iranian attack on Israel, asserting it's part of a broader pattern of conflicts worldwide. “The brutal war of Russia against Ukraine is now in its third year... North Korea is continuously supplying Russia with artillery shells, while Iranian drones are becoming a daily threat to Ukrainian cities. Iran is also assisting Russia in developing drone technology on its territory,” she explained.

Von der Leyen believes that the collaboration among authoritarian states significantly threatens the global order. “This scenario underscores the urgent need for Europe to awaken to the new realities of defence and security. Our freedom and prosperity are at stake, depending on our security. We must adapt our actions to respond to the evolving security environment,” she stressed.

Latest data on Russian military losses revealed

The BBC revealed on Wednesday that the Russian army has suffered over 50,000 fatalities in Ukraine. According to their analysis, at least 27,300 Russian soldiers have died in the conflict's second year.
This investigation was carried out by the BBC, volunteers, and the independent media group Mediazona, starting from February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine. The team meticulously collects data from various sources, including media outlets, blogs, social media, and cemeteries, to compile their findings.
Russia has not officially acknowledged these numbers and refuses to comment on the findings reported by the BBC. It's important to note that the reported data does not account for deaths among members of pro-Russian paramilitary groups in Ukraine’s occupied eastern territories.
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