The Romanian Army, along with allied and partner forces, will conduct a series of military exercises called Steadfast Dart (STDT 25) from February 10-21. Led by the Joint Force Command Naples, the exercise aims to test NATO's reaction and response capacity in crisis situations through specific peacetime alerting, deployment, and integration activities. The goal is to increase Romania's defense capabilities, deterrence, coordination, and reaction time, as well as enhance military interoperability and mobility with NATO and the US strategic partnership.
https://www.actmedia.eu/daily/mapn-approximately-15-000-military-will-take-part-in-international-exercises-in-the-first-half-of-the-year/111982The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has announced that the Co-Lead Nations of the eight Capability Coalitions have been working with Ukraine to develop roadmaps aimed at optimizing security assistance and defense capabilities through 2027. The roadmaps, which were developed in collaboration with Ukraine, are designed to enhance interoperability between Ukraine and NATO, support the development of Ukraine's defense capabilities, and deter potential threats.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3946736-participants-of-ramstein-meeting-approve-eight-roadmaps-to-support-ukraine-through-2027.htmlUS officials have reflected on the effectiveness of military aid provided by the Biden administration to Ukraine, citing limited gains from previous support such as Abrams tanks, F-16 fighter jets, and ATACMS missile systems. The US is now considering further security commitments, including potential NATO membership, to deter a future Russian attack following peace negotiations. Meanwhile, the US is studying North Korean operations in the war to inform its strategy in Asia, where thousands of North Korean forces are believed to be supporting Russia. The US may also impose additional sanctions on Chinese entities for their support of Russia's efforts to fuel the conflict.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/americas/biden-set-to-push-new-russia-sanctions-before-trump-era-beginsUK Foreign Office Minister David Lammy expressed concerns over US President-elect Donald Trump's comments about acquiring Greenland for national security purposes. He described the remarks as "classic Donald Trump" and noted that any decision on Greenland's status would ultimately be up to its people. Lammy stated that while Trump's rhetoric can be destabilising, his emphasis on increased defence spending by NATO members could benefit Western allies. The UK is keen not to damage relations with the US under the new Labour government, despite some Labour ministers having previously made disparaging comments about Trump.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/national_news/uk-fm-lammy-refuses-to-condemn-trump-comments-on-greenland/article_4eea19f3-61c4-5972-8636-54be7e2e2d9f.htmlThe Danish government has downplayed concerns about the potential for a US military base in Greenland, following criticism from the European Union over President Donald Trump's plans to build one. The EU had expressed concern that such a base could undermine NATO and create a new Cold War-era rivalry between the US and Russia.
https://www.euobserver.com/green-economy/ar258d652bThe government of Greenland has expressed its intention to work with the incoming Trump administration and other NATO allies to maintain security and stability in the Arctic region, citing the area's strategic importance due to its location between Europe and North America. This is particularly significant for the US military, which relies on Greenland as a key component of its ballistic missile early-warning system.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341909/greenland-important-for-the-us-says-trumps-pick-for-national-security-adviserGreenland's government has expressed interest in working with the incoming Trump administration and other NATO allies to ensure security and stability in the Arctic region. This comes after Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede reiterated that the island is not for sale, following a previous suggestion by President Trump during his first term that Denmark should sell Greenland. The island's strategic location, which straddles the shortest route between Europe and North America, makes it important for the U.S. military and its ballistic missile early-warning system.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/greenland-important-for-the-us-says-trumps-pick-for-national-security-adviser/article69079330.eceFinnish authorities are investigating a Russian oil tanker, the Eagle S, suspected of causing damage to five submarine cables on the Baltic Sea. The ship was banned from sailing due to "serious faults" after it was allegedly used to cut a critically important cable at the bottom of the sea. In response, NATO is sending a fleet of 10 ships to the region to deter any attempts to destroy energy and data cables. A summit will be held in Helsinki on January 14 to discuss measures to secure critical underwater infrastructure and strengthen NATO's presence in the Baltic Sea.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14267883/Finland-parades-enormous-anchor-used-oil-tanker-Russian-shadow-fleet-snap-critical-undersea-cables-Baltic-Sea-bed.htmlPeter Magyar, the leader of Hungary's centre-right Tisza Party, has announced that if he wins the elections due in early 2026, he will maintain Hungary's membership in the European Union and NATO while seeking "pragmatic relations" with Russia. Magyar aims to unlock billions of euros in frozen EU funds by taking steps to curb corruption and joining the European Union prosecutor's office, a move rejected by Budapest's nationalist government led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Magyar has criticized Orban's close ties with Russia and his opposition to military aid for Ukraine, while also expressing concerns about Hungary's reliance on Russian gas and crude imports. He plans to adopt a similar approach towards China, negotiating "pragmatically" over the Paks nuclear project and foreign direct investments in the country.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/viktor-orbans-challenger-sees-strong-eu-nato-ties-pragmatic-approach-russia-4847971