Amid growing concerns over potential shifts in US foreign policy, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner has called for the deployment of a ‘nuclear shield’ over Europe, urging the UK and France to take the lead in deterring a possible Russian strike. The proposal comes in the wake of former US President Donald Trump’s remarks suggesting a reassessment of NATO support for members not meeting defense spending commitments.
In an article for the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Lindner emphasized the need to reconsider European security under the NATO umbrella in response to Trump’s statements. He acknowledged the existing contributions of France and Great Britain’s strategic nuclear forces to the alliance’s security but raised questions about the conditions under which they would be willing to maintain or expand their capabilities.
The finance minister stressed that difficult questions about collective security must not be avoided when it comes to preserving peace and freedom in Europe. Britain and France, as Europe’s sole nuclear powers within NATO, retain independent control over their nuclear arsenals, although their combined strength pales in comparison to Russia’s extensive nuclear capabilities.
Lindner’s proposition reflects concerns about the unpredictability of US support, particularly if Donald Trump were to win the presidential elections in November. The proposal suggests a shift in European nations taking a more active role in their defense and nuclear deterrence.
Meanwhile, reports from US intelligence sources indicating that the Kremlin is developing plans for anti-satellite missile technology in space have prompted alarm among American lawmakers. Calls have been made for the Biden administration to urgently declassify details of the alleged program, further heightening tensions and contributing to the reassessment of European security strategies.
