If you’re still under any illusions about how seriously Ukraine’s allies view the wider threat from Russia, the wave of countries bringing back military service should help clarify that.
France is the latest, today announcing a new national service for over 18s.
Ahead of the plan being unveiled, President Emmanuel Macron said: “If the French want to protect ourselves, we must show that we are not weak in the face of one power that threatens us the most.”
That threat primarily comes from Russia, a country that numerous military chiefs have warned may be ready to attack a NATO member by 2030.
In essence, with today’s announcement, Mr Macron is trying to prepare a force to help protect France if attacked.
The young recruits would help bolster the military, which is already the second largest in the EU after Poland.
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As more countries look to strengthen their defences, Moscow has accused European leaders of warmongering and consistently denied any threat to wider Europe.
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However, its seeming unwillingness to stop the bloodshed in Ukraine, the recent drone and jet incursions into NATO airspace, and the intensifying hybrid war it’s accused of carrying out across Europe mean few of Ukraine’s allies still trust the Kremlin’s word.
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Does Germany need to be ready for war?
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Uncertainly about whether the US could be relied upon in a fight has fuelled the unease.
That hasn’t been helped by the fact the first 28-point peace plan presented by the US appeared to come straight out Moscow’s playbook.
In these uncertain times, France isn’t alone in looking to bolster its defences. Ten EU countries already have compulsory military service, while nations including Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany are opting for voluntary schemes.
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After years of neglecting its military, Germany is massively boosting defence spending, with the chancellor pledging to build the strongest conventional army in Europe.
The German parliament is expected to vote on the military service plan in December.
As one German general told me: “We are not at war, but we are no longer living in peacetime…
“We do not want war, but we must be ready to defend our country.”
