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Greek PM Urges Europe to Strengthen Defense Amid U.S. Shift on Ukraine
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called on Europe to develop its own defense strategy following a major shift in U.S. policy on Ukraine and evolving global tensions. Speaking at a business conference in Thessaloniki on Wednesday, Mitsotakis warned that Europe must move quickly to secure its own security and geopolitical stability.
His remarks come after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “dictator” and suggested Ukraine had provoked the ongoing war with Russia. Trump also warned that Kyiv must act swiftly to secure peace or risk losing its country—a statement that has alarmed European leaders.
Further complicating matters, the U.S. and Russia recently held peace talks in Saudi Arabia without Ukraine’s involvement, a move that shocked Kyiv and its European allies. While Ukraine has rejected any externally imposed peace deal, Russia has ruled out returning captured territory.
Mitsotakis stressed that Europe must “wake up” from its geopolitical and economic complacency. “Recent developments and the changing stance of the United States now force us to face reality and act decisively on long-discussed plans,” he stated.
He underscored the urgency of building a European defense policy to strengthen the continent’s military capabilities and reduce dependence on the U.S. His remarks follow a virtual meeting convened by France, bringing together European leaders and Canada to address the crisis in Ukraine.
Europe has long relied on U.S. military support through NATO, but Trump has repeatedly urged European nations to increase their defense spending. As Washington signals a shift in priorities, experts warn that Europe may struggle to fill the security gap left by reduced American involvement.
