German president urges Europe to boost military strength amid potential Russian expansion fears

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday called on European countries to strengthen their military capabilities, citing concern over Russia's expansion and doubts about the future of US protection.

“We must increase our military strength, not to wage war, but to prevent it. Not as a substitute for diplomacy but to make it more credible,” Steinmeier said during a speech at the German parliament (Bundestag) in Berlin marking the end of World War II.

“If we refrain from strengthening our own defense capability, we (will) face a harsh reality, and we must do everything we can… together with our European partners, to prevent (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's land grab. We must show that democracies are not defenseless victims,” he added.

Steinmeier reiterated that his country “supports Ukraine in its fight for freedom, for its democracy, for its sovereignty.”

In March, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented an ambitious €800 billion ($868 billion) plan to bolster the EU's defense capabilities.

The proposal is seen as a critical step in addressing Europe's security needs, particularly following the reduction in US military aid under President Donald Trump's administration.

Von der Leyen described the proposal as a “watershed moment for Europe,” emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and increased defense readiness.

The €800 billion defense initiative includes a €150 billion loan scheme secured against unused funds in the EU budget and a plan to unlock an additional €650 billion in new spending through greater flexibility in the EU's fiscal rules.