‘Battle hardened’ Ukraine has role to play in defending Europe, says ex-Nato chief

What Happened

On the Monday before 3 April 2025, former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen proposed establishing a European 'coalition of the willing' that includes Ukraine to defend the continent, arguing that the US attitude toward European defence has permanently changed. Speaking at a seminar, he said Ukraine, as the militarily strongest and battle-hardened nation in Europe, should be integrated into a new European security architecture as a bulwark against Russia. He urged European leaders to act independently of potential US troop withdrawals under Donald Trump. His proposal came two days before a meeting of five leading European defence powers in Berlin on Wednesday, intended to draw up a common strategy ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara on 7 July. That summit is expected to agree on €70 billion in extra spending for Ukraine over two years and a commitment for member states to spend at least 5% of GDP on defence by 2035. Rasmussen also noted progress, indicating Ukraine may soon be granted licences to manufacture US-designed weapons domestically.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Rasmussen's proposal signals a potential strategic shift in European defence, reframing Ukraine from a security liability to a contributor capable of deterring Russia. Combined with the upcoming NATO summit's spending targets and the Berlin strategy meeting, it highlights growing European efforts to reduce dependence on US security guarantees and institutionalise Ukraine's role in continental defence, with long-term implications for the NATO alliance and Russia's war calculus.

Watch For

Monitor outcomes from the 2 April 2025 Berlin meeting of five European defence powers, where a common defence strategy will be drafted. The 7 July NATO summit in Ankara will be critical for confirming the €70bn Ukraine support package and the 5% GDP defence spending pledge. Watch for any decision on licensing Ukraine to produce US-designed weapons domestically, as well as EU discussions on appointing a negotiator with Russia, which Rasmussen warns should only occur from a position of strength.