British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned this week that Europe must bolster its defence and be ready to deter aggressive actions from Russia, stressing that the continent cannot assume peace will last indefinitely amid Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine and ongoing military rearmament.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Starmer urged European allies to build stronger defence capabilities, deepen ties with NATO partners, and take a more proactive role in their own security. He described the current security environment as increasingly unstable and said the “solidity of peace is softening” under the weight of clear warning signs from Moscow.
Starmer noted Russia’s continued re-armament and cited NATO assessments that Moscow could be capable of using military force against the Alliance by the end of the decade roughly by 2030, if Western nations fail to prepare and strengthen deterrence.
Starmer has also announced plans to send a carrier strike group and other military assets to the North Atlantic and High North, aiming to reinforce collective defence with Canada, the U.S. and other NATO allies.
His comments reflect broader concerns at the security forum about Europe’s defence posture and the need to reduce reliance on the United States while enhancing cooperation across European states.
