By The Moscow Times | Created at 2025-03-20 11:20:20 | Updated at 2025-03-20 22:54:45
11 hours ago
The Kremlin on Thursday accused European countries of prioritizing military buildup over peace efforts, as top Western military officials gathered in Britain to discuss support for Ukraine.
Major European powers, including France and the U.K., have sought to ramp up defense spending since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January, amid growing concerns that Washington may scale back its commitment to European security.
With Trump forging closer ties with Russia, the Kremlin has increasingly blamed Europe for prolonging the war in Ukraine, accusing the EU and U.K. of obstructing peace.
“For the most part, the signals from Brussels and European capitals concern plans to militarize Europe,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
“Europe has embarked on a path of militarization and has turned itself into something of a war party,” he added.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who alongside French President Emmanuel Macron is leading efforts to form a so-called “coalition of the willing,” is expected to address a gathering of around 30 military officials later Thursday.
Both Starmer and Macron have said they would be open to deploying peacekeepers in Ukraine following a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv — an idea Russia opposes.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Continue
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.
