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The ongoing conflict in Ukraine shows no signs of abating. Just hours after a conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin last week, Russia launched a record number of drones and missiles against Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian government, Russia launched over 330 missiles, 5,000 combat drones, and 5,000 gliding bombs at Ukrainian targets in June alone, primarily aimed at civilian sites.
Trump appears increasingly frustrated with Moscow, recently announcing additional arms deliveries to Kyiv following a brief halt in weapons shipments. “Ukraine must defend itself” has become his latest motto.
This decision followed a phone call with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which the Ukrainian president hailed as a “productive conversation”. For now, arming Ukraine seems secure. How will Putin react?
Could Europe replace US weapons if Trump changes his stance again?
This week’s panel will address these pressing questions, featuring:
- Tinatin Akhvlediani, Research Fellow in the EU Foreign Policy Unit at the Centre for European Policy Studies
- Ania Skrzypek, Research Director at the Foundation for European Progressive Studies
- Michelle Haas, Researcher at the Ghent Institute for International and European Studies and Associate Fellow at the Egmont Institute
Second Topic: During their initial bilateral summit, EU candidate Moldova urged Brussels for expedited accession. Due to repeated hybrid attacks from Russia, Moldova seeks prompt integration into the EU and is keen to adopt EU standards to separate its accession process from Ukraine’s.
Brussels currently appears hesitant. However, if Moldova continues to demonstrate tangible reforms and economic resilience, can the argument for expedited accession be dismissed? Is the EU sending the right signals to countries threatened by Russia?
Thirdly, the panel will debate the role of women in the military.
Across Europe, discussions on conscription are intensifying, and women are now part of the conversation. Faced with growing security threats and depleted military resources, several nations are reevaluating traditional positions on conscription.
The idea of drafting women is gaining support. On its first day as EU presidency, Denmark became the final Scandinavian country to adopt this stance.
However, expanding conscription raises significant questions about defense budgets. Can Europe afford a larger, more inclusive military, or would it strain already tight military spending? Should financial considerations factor into these decisions?
Is mandatory military service for women the pinnacle of gender equality? What about the counterargument that joining the military should remain a personal choice?
