Laura Kayali
@laukaya.bsky.social
Defense correspondent at POLITICO Europe in Paris. lkayali@politico.eu
As US pulls back, NATO flexes its muscles in Romania.
A large-scale military exercise on Europe’s eastern flank, dubbed Dacian Fall, aimed to deter a Russian aggression.
With takes from @oanalungescu.bsky.social and Anca Agachi.
www.politico.eu/article/unit...
A large-scale military exercise on Europe’s eastern flank, dubbed Dacian Fall, aimed to deter a Russian aggression.
With takes from @oanalungescu.bsky.social and Anca Agachi.
www.politico.eu/article/unit...
As US pulls back, NATO flexes its muscles in Romania
A large-scale military exercise on Europe’s eastern flank aimed to deter Russian aggression.
www.politico.eu
November 14, 2025 at 8:43 AM
As US pulls back, NATO flexes its muscles in Romania.
A large-scale military exercise on Europe’s eastern flank, dubbed Dacian Fall, aimed to deter a Russian aggression.
With takes from @oanalungescu.bsky.social and Anca Agachi.
www.politico.eu/article/unit...
A large-scale military exercise on Europe’s eastern flank, dubbed Dacian Fall, aimed to deter a Russian aggression.
With takes from @oanalungescu.bsky.social and Anca Agachi.
www.politico.eu/article/unit...
Reposted by Laura Kayali
This year’s annual military drill in Romania known as Dacian Fall carried extra weight.
Part of NATO’s race to reinforce Europe’s eastern flank, it comes just a few weeks after Washington’s announced it will sharply reduce US troop levels in the country.
Part of NATO’s race to reinforce Europe’s eastern flank, it comes just a few weeks after Washington’s announced it will sharply reduce US troop levels in the country.
As US pulls back, NATO flexes its muscles in Romania
A large-scale military exercise on Europe’s eastern flank aimed to deter Russian aggression.
www.politico.eu
November 14, 2025 at 8:34 AM
This year’s annual military drill in Romania known as Dacian Fall carried extra weight.
Part of NATO’s race to reinforce Europe’s eastern flank, it comes just a few weeks after Washington’s announced it will sharply reduce US troop levels in the country.
Part of NATO’s race to reinforce Europe’s eastern flank, it comes just a few weeks after Washington’s announced it will sharply reduce US troop levels in the country.
Reposted by Laura Kayali
A Germany with Europe’s largest army, armed with cutting-edge tanks and missiles, is a far cry from the shambolic Bundeswehr once mocked for low morale and outdated gear.
That new power comes with political and economic heft — and the bloc will have to adapt.
🔗 www.politico.eu/article/germ...
That new power comes with political and economic heft — and the bloc will have to adapt.
🔗 www.politico.eu/article/germ...
November 12, 2025 at 11:12 AM
A Germany with Europe’s largest army, armed with cutting-edge tanks and missiles, is a far cry from the shambolic Bundeswehr once mocked for low morale and outdated gear.
That new power comes with political and economic heft — and the bloc will have to adapt.
🔗 www.politico.eu/article/germ...
That new power comes with political and economic heft — and the bloc will have to adapt.
🔗 www.politico.eu/article/germ...
Reposted by Laura Kayali
Washington should scrap its plan to withdraw hundreds of troops from Romania, the country’s deputy defense minister Sorin Moldovan told POLITICO, arguing the decision could fuel Russian propaganda around NATO disunity.
Romania calls on US to ‘overturn’ troop drawdown
Sending home 800 soldiers is “not a good sign in our bilateral relationship,” Romania’s deputy defense minister warns.
www.politico.eu
November 6, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Washington should scrap its plan to withdraw hundreds of troops from Romania, the country’s deputy defense minister Sorin Moldovan told POLITICO, arguing the decision could fuel Russian propaganda around NATO disunity.
Finally someone says out loud what everyone's been whispering for days.
Washington should scrap its plan to withdraw hundreds of troops from Romania, the country’s deputy defense minister told @victorjack.bsky.social, arguing it sends the wrong political signal.
www.politico.eu/article/roma...
Washington should scrap its plan to withdraw hundreds of troops from Romania, the country’s deputy defense minister told @victorjack.bsky.social, arguing it sends the wrong political signal.
www.politico.eu/article/roma...
Romania calls on US to ‘overturn’ troop drawdown
Sending home 800 soldiers is “not a good sign in our bilateral relationship,” Romania’s deputy defense minister warns.
www.politico.eu
November 6, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Finally someone says out loud what everyone's been whispering for days.
Washington should scrap its plan to withdraw hundreds of troops from Romania, the country’s deputy defense minister told @victorjack.bsky.social, arguing it sends the wrong political signal.
www.politico.eu/article/roma...
Washington should scrap its plan to withdraw hundreds of troops from Romania, the country’s deputy defense minister told @victorjack.bsky.social, arguing it sends the wrong political signal.
www.politico.eu/article/roma...
Reposted by Laura Kayali
Romania wants Europe's rearmament push to benefit all EU nations, not just the largest ones.
Romania wants a piece of Europe’s defense pie
Bucharest is looking for industrial returns as Europe rushes to rearm, Romanian Defense Minister Liviu-Ionuț Moșteanu tells POLITICO.
www.politico.eu
October 30, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Romania wants Europe's rearmament push to benefit all EU nations, not just the largest ones.
Reposted by Laura Kayali
For Russia, France presents both a prime target and a weak flank to target in its hybrid war against Europe.
🔗 www.politico.eu/article/red-...
🔗 www.politico.eu/article/red-...
October 29, 2025 at 8:50 PM
For Russia, France presents both a prime target and a weak flank to target in its hybrid war against Europe.
🔗 www.politico.eu/article/red-...
🔗 www.politico.eu/article/red-...
France’s social, economic, cultural, religious and political divisions offer fertile ground for the Kremlin’s interference, several policymakers, academics and military officers told POLITICO. Story with @msolletty.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/red-...
www.politico.eu/article/red-...
Red hands and pig heads: Russia’s plan to destabilize France goes on trial
Paris has emerged as a top target of Moscow’s hybrid war.
www.politico.eu
October 29, 2025 at 2:01 PM
France’s social, economic, cultural, religious and political divisions offer fertile ground for the Kremlin’s interference, several policymakers, academics and military officers told POLITICO. Story with @msolletty.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/red-...
www.politico.eu/article/red-...
Reposted by Laura Kayali
France's newly appointed chief of defense, Gen. Fabien Mandon is preparing the nation's armed forces to be ready for a "shock, that would be a kind of test" from Russia.
France’s top general expects ‘shock’ with Russia in 3-4 years
“The Russians are reorganizing with one goal in mind: to confront NATO.”
www.politico.eu
October 22, 2025 at 5:27 PM
France's newly appointed chief of defense, Gen. Fabien Mandon is preparing the nation's armed forces to be ready for a "shock, that would be a kind of test" from Russia.
Donald Trump threatened to slap tariffs on Spain over its lax defense spending, calling Madrid's refusal to meet NATO's 5 percent defense spending target “unbelievably disrespectful.” www.politico.eu/article/dona...
Trump to Spain: Spend more on defense or face ‘punishment’ tariffs
U.S. president berates “unbelievably disrespectful” Madrid for failing to reach NATO’s military investment target.
www.politico.eu
October 14, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Donald Trump threatened to slap tariffs on Spain over its lax defense spending, calling Madrid's refusal to meet NATO's 5 percent defense spending target “unbelievably disrespectful.” www.politico.eu/article/dona...
🇫🇷 Two women will lead defense policy in the new government: Catherine Vautrin as armed forces minister and Alice Rufo as her deputy.
October 12, 2025 at 8:34 PM
🇫🇷 Two women will lead defense policy in the new government: Catherine Vautrin as armed forces minister and Alice Rufo as her deputy.
Reposted by Laura Kayali
It's Monday. There's a political crisis in France. We've got a live blog going if — like us — you're wondering WTF just happened.
www.politico.eu/article/fran...
www.politico.eu/article/fran...
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigns — live updates
France’s fifth government in three years resigns just 12 hours after being appointed.
www.politico.eu
October 6, 2025 at 9:13 AM
It's Monday. There's a political crisis in France. We've got a live blog going if — like us — you're wondering WTF just happened.
www.politico.eu/article/fran...
www.politico.eu/article/fran...
Reposted by Laura Kayali
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu unveiled key members of his new government today, ending weeks of uncertainty following his appointment last month.
New French PM Lecornu unveils government
Lecornu faces the arduous task of negotiating a slimmed-down budget after his predecessor was toppled in a no-confidence vote last month.
www.politico.eu
October 5, 2025 at 6:25 PM
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu unveiled key members of his new government today, ending weeks of uncertainty following his appointment last month.
France’s new armed forces minister is France’s old economy minister, namely Bruno Le Maire
October 5, 2025 at 5:49 PM
France’s new armed forces minister is France’s old economy minister, namely Bruno Le Maire
Reposted by Laura Kayali
Turns out, some EU members are more directly threatened by Russia than others and their different threat perceptions affects their openness to common spending on counter drone measures.
www.politico.eu/article/ursu...
www.politico.eu/article/ursu...
Von der Leyen’s ‘drone wall’ plan crashes into EU reality
Europe’s latest defense debate is splitting countries demanding immediate protection from Russia and those further from the threat.
www.politico.eu
October 3, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Turns out, some EU members are more directly threatened by Russia than others and their different threat perceptions affects their openness to common spending on counter drone measures.
www.politico.eu/article/ursu...
www.politico.eu/article/ursu...
Emmanuel Macron is currently working on "updating" France's nuclear doctrine and will make a speech about it in early 2026.
www.faz.net/aktuell/poli...
www.faz.net/aktuell/poli...
Entretien du Président Emmanuel Macron dans le Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
Dans un entretien exclusif avec la Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, le Président de la République française avoue: « Nous avons sous-estimé la Russie. » Il annonce un discours sur la doctrine nucléaire...
www.faz.net
October 1, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Emmanuel Macron is currently working on "updating" France's nuclear doctrine and will make a speech about it in early 2026.
www.faz.net/aktuell/poli...
www.faz.net/aktuell/poli...
East-West divide on EU's drone wall
The project is backed by frontline nations including Baltic states and Poland, but criticized by France, Germany and Italy.
www.politico.eu/article/fran...
The project is backed by frontline nations including Baltic states and Poland, but criticized by France, Germany and Italy.
www.politico.eu/article/fran...
Macron doesn’t love the EU’s drone wall idea
The debate highlights a divide between frontline EU countries and those further from the Russian and Ukrainian borders.
www.politico.eu
October 1, 2025 at 1:32 PM
East-West divide on EU's drone wall
The project is backed by frontline nations including Baltic states and Poland, but criticized by France, Germany and Italy.
www.politico.eu/article/fran...
The project is backed by frontline nations including Baltic states and Poland, but criticized by France, Germany and Italy.
www.politico.eu/article/fran...
Reposted by Laura Kayali
The European Commission yesterday proposed four key defense projects — including a drone wall to block Russian aerial aggression.
EU Commission pushes 4 defense projects to guard against Putin
It’s part of an effort to toughen up defenses against Russian incursions.
ow.ly
September 30, 2025 at 12:05 PM
The European Commission yesterday proposed four key defense projects — including a drone wall to block Russian aerial aggression.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed skepticism about the concept of a “drone wall” to protect eastern countries against Russian aerial incursions — a project currently being pushed hard by the European Commission.
www.politico.eu/article/germ...
www.politico.eu/article/germ...
Germany’s Pistorius pours cold water on drone wall concept
Repeated Russian incursions are increasing pressure on the EU and NATO to respond.
www.politico.eu
September 29, 2025 at 1:20 PM
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed skepticism about the concept of a “drone wall” to protect eastern countries against Russian aerial incursions — a project currently being pushed hard by the European Commission.
www.politico.eu/article/germ...
www.politico.eu/article/germ...
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius pours cold water on the drone wall at the
@warsawforum.bsky.social: "We won't have a drone wall in 3 or 4 years."
@warsawforum.bsky.social: "We won't have a drone wall in 3 or 4 years."
September 29, 2025 at 10:03 AM
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius pours cold water on the drone wall at the
@warsawforum.bsky.social: "We won't have a drone wall in 3 or 4 years."
@warsawforum.bsky.social: "We won't have a drone wall in 3 or 4 years."
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur says at the @warsawforum.bsky.social that Estonia "had to unclassify some of the radar information to show that Russia is lying" about violating the country's airspace.
September 29, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur says at the @warsawforum.bsky.social that Estonia "had to unclassify some of the radar information to show that Russia is lying" about violating the country's airspace.
I am at the @warsawforum.bsky.social with @jancienski.bsky.social — come say hi if you’re around!
September 29, 2025 at 6:55 AM
I am at the @warsawforum.bsky.social with @jancienski.bsky.social — come say hi if you’re around!
Reposted by Laura Kayali
The European Commission will work on technical and financial details to build a drone wall to protect Europe against Russia, after a series of airspace violations by Moscow's warplanes and unmanned aerial vehicles.
EU moves forward with drone wall
The European Commission still has to define the scheme’s technical and financial details.
www.politico.eu
September 26, 2025 at 3:14 PM
The European Commission will work on technical and financial details to build a drone wall to protect Europe against Russia, after a series of airspace violations by Moscow's warplanes and unmanned aerial vehicles.
FCAS latest — France is now also floating a plan B in case talks with Germany fail on the next generation fighter jet: Build the warplane alone www.politico.eu/article/fran...
France ready to make next-gen fighter jet alone if talks with Germany fail
“If the needs are divergent [between France, Germany and Spain], we must say so,” a French official told reporters.
www.politico.eu
September 25, 2025 at 6:55 AM
FCAS latest — France is now also floating a plan B in case talks with Germany fail on the next generation fighter jet: Build the warplane alone www.politico.eu/article/fran...
What are NATO’s rules of engagement? How can they be changed? Why didnt NATO shot down the Russian warplanes last week? Read our explainer, with @victorjack.bsky.social www.politico.eu/article/nato...
Finger on the trigger: How NATO is responding to Russia’s airspace violations
NATO is a defensive alliance, which makes it very cautious about responding with force to Russia’s provocations.
www.politico.eu
September 24, 2025 at 8:00 AM
What are NATO’s rules of engagement? How can they be changed? Why didnt NATO shot down the Russian warplanes last week? Read our explainer, with @victorjack.bsky.social www.politico.eu/article/nato...