European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed Sunday Europe's urgent need to strengthen its defenses in response to ongoing security threats. Speaking after a summit in London where 19 world leaders discussed Europe's security, Von der Leyen highlighted the need for "comprehensive security guarantees" for Ukraine.
She also stressed that Europe must "urgently re-arm," with the European Commission set to propose a new plan at the European Council on March 6. "We really have to step up massively," she mentioned. Also, she underscored that Europe needs to work on "basically turning Ukraine into a steel porcupine that is indigestible for potential invaders." Asked about her message for the US, she stated, "We are ready, together with you, to defend democracy and the principle that there is a rule of law, that you cannot invade … and bully your neighbour or change borders with force."
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to speak shortly in a conference.
