English-language coverage of defence news from the Netherlands.
UK PM Andy Burnham and Canadian PM Mark Carney met in Liverpool to agree on partnering over AI risks and defence cooperation, with no specific commitments yet. The talks coincided with King Charles's warning to AI leaders about existential dangers and Carney's welcome of the EU's associate membership proposal for Canada.
Estonian PM Kristen Michal says Estonia can close its border with Russia 'immediately' if Moscow announces mobilisation, as the foreign minister confirms security cabinet discussions on the scenario. Meanwhile, the incoming defence minister warns that fear of mistakes must not hinder military aid to Ukraine.
Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas says a drone shot down by a NATO fighter jet over southern Lithuania on 15 September appears to have had no explosives. Earlier, bomb disposal experts neutralised a device at the site. The drone, which entered from Belarus, may have originated from Russia, according to Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. An investigation is under way.
The EU’s €90 billion loan covers only two-thirds of Ukraine’s 2026–27 needs. Kyiv has asked to use over €2 billion for Patriot missiles, while planning to spend most on drones and European equipment. Brussels is pressing other partners for the remaining third.
Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken has firmly rejected transferring frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, drawing criticism from Baltic states. The EU has floated a new proposal to address Belgium's legal concerns, but details remain undisclosed. The standoff threatens a key source of funding for Ukraine's war effort.
Ukraine has formally asked the European Commission to spend over €2 billion of an EU loan on Patriot interceptor missiles. Brussels says the €90 billion loan covers only two-thirds of Ukraine's needs and has urged partners to provide the rest.