‘Battle hardened’ Ukraine has role to play in defending Europe, says ex-NATO chief
Battle hardened Ukraine has role to play – Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the former NATO secretary general, has emphasized that Ukraine’s military strength has transformed its role in Europe’s defense landscape. In a recent address, he argued that the United States’ approach to protecting the continent has shifted permanently, necessitating a new collaborative framework led by European nations. This coalition, which Rasmussen describes as a “force of the willing,” would not only support Ukraine but also serve as a broader shield against Russian aggression.
Reimagining European Security Architecture
Rasmussen’s vision centers on integrating Ukraine into a unified European security structure. He highlighted that the current geopolitical climate demands a strategic shift from reliance on U.S. commitments to a self-sustaining European defense initiative. “The continent must take ownership of its security,” he stated, noting that Ukraine’s battlefield experience has made it a critical partner in this endeavor.
The coalition concept, initially designed as a training and reassurance force for Ukraine, is now being expanded to cover all of Europe. Rasmussen proposed that 45 countries could form a collective defense mechanism, with France and the United Kingdom at its helm due to their nuclear capabilities. “This alliance would ensure continuity even if the Trump administration reduces its military presence,” he explained, addressing concerns about potential gaps in European protection.
Rasmussen’s remarks come ahead of a significant meeting in Berlin, where five key European defense nations will convene to draft a unified strategy. The event precedes the NATO summit in Ankara, scheduled for 7 July, which aims to demonstrate that European allies have fulfilled their commitments to bolster defense spending. The summit will also focus on reaffirming support for Ukraine, which is set to receive an additional €70bn over two years from European nations.
European Commitment and Strategic Priorities
European defense officials have endorsed the €70bn target as a means to highlight the uneven distribution of support for Ukraine. While a handful of countries—primarily Germany, the UK, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands—bear the bulk of the financial burden, Rasmussen stressed that this funding must be tied to broader security objectives. “The goal is not just to sustain Ukraine’s war effort, but to integrate it into a lasting European defense framework,” he said.
He also pointed to the U.S. defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, who has initiated a review of troop numbers in Europe. Despite this, Rasmussen noted that current military assessments suggest the Trump administration’s reduction of forces will not immediately threaten continental stability. However, he warned that Europe must act decisively to avoid being left vulnerable in the event of a sudden U.S. withdrawal.
“Europe should not wait for Trump’s next move,” Rasmussen cautioned. “We must establish our own priorities, independent of American influence.” This sentiment was echoed at the G7 summit in Evian, where European leaders observed a change in Trump’s stance toward Ukraine. Rasmussen argued that the U.S. is no longer the sole driver of European security, and that the continent must prepare for a new era of independence.
“However this conflict ends, we still have an aggressive Russia. Ukraine must remain a bulwark against that threat.”
Rasmussen underscored Ukraine’s current military superiority, calling it the “strongest nation in Europe” after years of conflict. “Ukraine is not just a recipient of aid—it is a strategic asset that can shape the continent’s defense future,” he asserted. This perspective challenges traditional narratives that view Ukraine as a nation in need of protection, framing it instead as a proactive contributor to regional stability.
Manufacturing and Integration Challenges
The coalition’s success depends on Ukraine’s ability to integrate its defense industry with European partners. Rasmussen welcomed recent announcements about licenses allowing Ukraine to produce U.S.-designed weapons, including interceptor and long-range missile systems. However, he also noted that bureaucratic hurdles in Europe must be addressed to facilitate rapid and cost-effective collaboration.
Ukrainian defense leaders are pushing for streamlined processes to enable their industries to align with European standards. Rasmussen argued that reshaping the defense ecosystem is more crucial than supporting individual firms. “The focus should be on creating a cohesive structure that leverages Ukraine’s capabilities for the benefit of the entire region,” he added.
Shifting Geopolitical Dynamics
Rasmussen linked the evolving European strategy to broader geopolitical shifts, including the Iran-US conflict. He suggested that Russia’s alignment with Iran in that dispute may have influenced the White House’s thinking about NATO’s role. “This could pave the way for a more strategic approach to countering Russian influence,” he said.
The NATO summit in Ankara will be a pivotal moment to solidify this new direction. Rasmussen believes the event should send a clear message that neither NATO nor the U.S. will retreat from their support for Ukraine. This, he argued, would force Vladimir Putin to confront a more challenging geopolitical landscape, where economic constraints may compel him to seek diplomatic solutions.
In conclusion, Rasmussen’s proposal reflects a growing recognition of Ukraine’s transformative role in European defense. By positioning it as a central pillar of a coalition of the willing, the ex-NATO chief aims to ensure long-term security for the continent. “Europe must act with confidence, even if the U.S. hesitates,” he said. “The world has changed, and we must adapt to that reality.”
As the coalition takes shape, its effectiveness will hinge on sustained cooperation and strategic vision. Rasmussen’s ideas have sparked debate among European leaders, but they underscore a fundamental truth: Ukraine’s resilience and capabilities have redefined the continent’s security priorities. The upcoming summit and ongoing efforts to streamline defense integration will be crucial in translating this vision into action.
