An interview with the Prime Minister reveals a focus on defence spending and a desire to preemptively quell leadership challenges within his party. The PM defended his government's approach to increasing defence budgets, while critics suggest alternative solutions like cutting welfare spending.
Ukraine plans to increase military wages by one-third to 30,000 hryvnias and offer fixed-term contracts to boost recruitment. President Zelenskyy also aims to recruit more foreign volunteers. Meanwhile, Russia's Putin claims Ukrainian drone strikes aim to sow confusion and damage the economy, though he admits some economic damage.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended his defence spending decisions following the resignation of two defence ministers. He stated his "duty" to remain in office and insisted defence is his "number one priority," despite facing leadership challenges and criticism over funding.
A significant dispute over defence spending has erupted in the UK government, with critics arguing that insufficient funds are allocated to meet evolving threats and existing commitments. The resignation of a minister highlights deep divisions between the Treasury and the Ministry of Defence regarding budget allocations, potentially impacting the readiness and capabilities of the armed forces.
John Healey resigned as UK Defence Secretary after being offered a £13.5bn increase in defence spending over four years, which he deemed insufficient. Chancellor Rachel Reeves resorted to budget cuts and departmental reserves to fund the MoD's demand for £18.5bn. The situation highlights the challenge of funding Labour's defence spending pledges, with options of spending cuts, tax rises, or borrowing all facing political hurdles.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces fresh leadership challenges after Defence Secretary John Healey's resignation over insufficient military spending, ahead of the G7 summit.
Labour MP John Healey resigned, citing the PM's "inability" and Chancellor's "unwillingness" to make the country safer. The defence spending row highlights government dysfunction amid global threats and internal party divisions.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey resigned after disagreeing with the Prime Minister over defence spending. Healey sought a larger increase than offered, arguing it was insufficient to meet commitments and avoid cuts.
Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned, citing the government's defence spending plans as insufficient for current threats. He stated the investment plan falls short and backloads crucial support, risking force readiness and national safety.
Notable US figures, including Rodney Mims Cook Jr. and influencers Candace Owens and Andrew Tate, are attending Russia's St Petersburg Economic Forum. This comes as Russia faces pressure to curb defense spending for the Ukraine war, despite the forum attracting guests drawn to Moscow's 'anti-woke' stance.
Notable Americans, including Rodney Mims Cook Jr., Candace Owens, and Steven Seagal, are attending Russia's St Petersburg Economic Forum. The event occurs as Russia faces pressure over its war spending and economic isolation, with some attendees promoting "anti-woke" and "traditional values."
Russia's St. Petersburg Economic Forum begins, attracting figures like Rodney Mims Cook Jr. and influencers Candace Owens and Andrew Tate. The event occurs as Putin faces pressure over costly war spending and seeks to bolster economic ties.
Russia's finance officials and central bank are reportedly urging Putin to curb defense spending due to escalating costs in the Ukraine war. Ukraine's strikes on Russian energy infrastructure and battlefield wins are pressuring Moscow, which faces billions in extra costs and potential budget deficits.
Russia's finance officials and central bank have urged the Kremlin to curb defense spending as the war in Ukraine proves economically unsustainable. Ukraine's strikes on energy infrastructure and battlefield wins are pressuring Moscow, which faces billions in extra costs.
The UK's defense spending plans may delay the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) fighter jet by several years, potentially impacting Japan's national security and forcing extensions to its current fighter fleet's service life.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticizes NATO and some Asian allies for insufficient defense spending, threatening a 'clear shift' in US business dealings with those not meeting the 5% GDP target.
Japan's LDP considers increasing defence spending to 5% of GDP, in line with many NATO members, due to US pressure and Indo-Pacific security concerns.
India is significantly boosting defence spending and prioritizing domestic production, aiming for self-reliance and export growth. New policies like 'Make in India' and DAP 2020 are reshaping procurement, encouraging local manufacturing and foreign collaboration. Despite global supply chain challenges, indigenous production and exports are rising, signaling a strategic shift towards greater defence capability and autonomy.
Internal splits over defence spending are widening within Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang, ahead of this year’s local elections. The party is facing growing pressure from the United States over its response to a proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) special defence budget put forward by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party to fund the purchase of arms from the US and the development of domestic weapons. Washington’s de facto ambassador in Taipei, Raymond Greene, last week...
European defence spending rose 14% in 2025 to €739 billion — the steepest increase since the 1950s and double the 2015 amount. Germany invested €97 billion (24% increase), overtaking the UK as Europe's largest defence investor and becoming the world's fourth-largest behind the US, China and Russia. Many NATO members are moving toward the new 5% GDP spending target set for 2035.
Sir Keir Starmer defended his government's record at Prime Minister's Questions, rejecting Kemi Badenoch's accusation that he had 'squandered his political capital' saving himself. The Conservative leader said the PM had presided over 'one disaster after another' and was focused on 'saving his own skin'. Starmer highlighted Labour's achievements including rights at work, renter security and lifting 500,000 children out of poverty. The exchange came after the Commons voted 335-233 against referring Starmer to the Privileges Committee over claims he misled MPs about Lord Mandelson's vetting as UK ambassador to the US.
The world is spending more money on weapons than ever before, reaching nearly $4 trillion in 2025.
