EU's von der Leyen Calls Putin 'Predator,' Urges Military Deterrence

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has issued a stark warning about Russian aggression, describing President Vladimir Putin as "a predator" requiring robust military deterrence during her address to the European Defense and Security Conference. Von der Leyen emphasized that Europe's ongoing security challenges necessitate accelerated military preparedness and enhanced defense industrial capacity amid continuing conflict in Ukraine.

The Commission president revealed that 19 European Union member states have requested loans totaling €150 billion through the bloc's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, designed to facilitate joint military procurement and strengthen continental security. Additionally, 16 nations have sought budgetary flexibility to increase defense expenditures, potentially reaching €800 billion in cumulative spending by 2030 to address emerging security threats.

Von der Leyen referenced the Commission's Readiness 2030 plan introduced seven months ago, with an upcoming "Defense Readiness Roadmap" scheduled for presentation to the European Council later this month establishing milestones toward comprehensive defense preparedness. She reported observing intensified Russian pressure during recent visits to frontline states, citing border guard attacks and suspected Russian drone incursions into European airspace as evidence of escalating provocations.

The Commission leader characterized European defense as a fundamental responsibility requiring urgent attention across the continent. Von der Leyen urged continued advancement with "urgency, consistency and determination" to safeguard Europe's future, emphasizing that collective security efforts must persist to effectively counter Russian aggression and other emerging threats facing the European project.