Europe’s secret €700 Billion Ukraine defense plan revealed

Germany’s ruling coalition is doubling down on its military commitment to Ukraine, as a massive €700 billion European defense package was inadvertently disclosed by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during an interview. The revelation, which was not intended to be public before Germany’s February 23 elections, underscores Europe’s growing push to handle Ukraine’s military aid independently—without relying entirely on the United States.

According to the Berliner Zeitung, Baerbock let slip the details while speaking with Bloomberg at the Munich Security Conference, calling the initiative “a historic emergency measure for security in Europe.” Much of the funding is expected to come from Germany, marking a decisive shift in the European Union’s approach to the war in Ukraine.

Europe’s Growing Defense Independence

Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene reinforced this stance, stating, “It is not the United States that will defend Europe, but Europe will defend itself with the help of the United States. We need to spend quickly on defense—hundreds of billions must be spent immediately.”

However, Sakaliene’s remark about U.S. “help” raises a critical question: Will Washington support a European military strategy when former President Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee, has made it clear that his priority is achieving peace rather than escalating conflict? Trump has long demanded that Europe increase its defense spending, but not to boost American involvement—rather, to reduce reliance on it.

Divisions Among European Leaders

The timing of Baerbock’s comments coincided with an emergency summit in Paris, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting explored the formation of a European “security force” to be stationed behind any potential ceasefire lines in Ukraine. However, opinions on military involvement varied widely:

Despite these disagreements, there was consensus on one issue: Europe must increase its defense spending.

The U.S. Stance: No Troops for Ukraine

While Europe debates its next move, Trump has been clear—if re-elected, the United States will send zero troops to Ukraine. This stance directly contradicts Macron’s push for a European security force and raises further doubts about Washington’s role in a future European military alliance.

At the summit, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa were among the key figures present. However, notably absent were the majority of EU nations, leading to criticism of the summit’s legitimacy.

“A Clown Show” or a Strategic Move?

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government was quick to dismiss the Paris meeting, with Fidesz MEP Andrász László mocking the event on social media: “If the eight countries who gathered in Paris for a crisis summit supposedly represent ‘EU unity,’ what should the two-thirds of EU countries think, who weren’t invited?” He went on to call the meeting an “absolute clown show.”

Meanwhile, Tusk warned of dire consequences for Europe’s security, posting on X: “If we, Europeans, fail to spend big on defense now, we will be forced to spend 10 times more if we don’t prevent a wider war.”

As Europe scrambles to define its defense strategy, the divide between those seeking deeper military commitments and those pushing for diplomatic solutions continues to grow. With Germany’s elections approaching and Trump’s potential return to the White House, the next few months could be decisive for the future of European security.