The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer, met with Mr. Mark Rutte Secretary General of NATO in Brussel  on the 3 of February. They discussed defence spending and ongoing support for Ukraine, as we are approaching three years from Russia’s full scale invasion into Ukraine. The two leaders also participated in an informal meeting with leaders of the European Union member states, in Brussels, to discuss European defence. Mr. Starmer also attended a dinner in Egmont Palace where he became the first UK Prime Minister to address the European Council of EU leaders since Brexit. To talk about Starmer’s visit, the state of  the UK armed forces, European defence, support to Ukraine, Trump and transatlantic relations, I interviewed Keir Giles from the UK, a long-time Russia explainer and defence expert. His analysis goes beyond the headlines, sending a clear message to political and military leaders to put words into actions as we face a dangerous and divided world. Mr. Giles most recent book “Who will Defend Europe?” is excellent and for those who want to read it you can find a link in the show notes.

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