German media: Merkel proposes granting Ukraine 'associated member' status with the EU

¬ Former NATO Secretary General: NATO cannot survive without the U.S., and the EU is unable to replace NATO

¬ Polish Prime Minister: Drone incidents increase the risk of war in Europe

¬ U.S. military to temporarily deploy missile systems in Kagoshima

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According to a letter from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to EU leadership cited by DPA (Deutsche Presse-Agentur), German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed granting Ukraine a special "associated member" status within the EU, allowing Ukrainian representatives to participate in work at key EU institutions without voting rights.

As reported by DPA, Merz stated that his proposal stems from the exceptional situation caused by ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, as well as Kyiv's "significant progress" in accession negotiations with the EU. Under Merz’s vision, this special status would send a "strong political signal" to the Ukrainian people and could help advance peace talks mediated by the United States—potentially including collective defense obligations of EU member states applying to Ukraine.

DPA reported that in his letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, the current rotating president of the Council of the EU, Merz emphasized: "This is not a diluted version of EU membership, but goes beyond existing association agreements—such as the 2014 agreement between Ukraine and the EU, which does not include a path to EU accession—and will accelerate Ukraine’s accession process."

Under Merz’s plan, if granted this status, Ukrainian representatives would be able to attend all major EU institutions, including the European Commission, the European Council, the Council of the EU, the European Parliament, and the Court of Justice of the EU—but without voting rights. The German chancellor stressed that this status would not replace the full EU membership process; rather, it would support and advance it. Merz concluded that unlike the process of joining the EU, granting a country “associated member” status does not require approval by EU national parliaments.

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Jens Stoltenberg, former NATO Secretary General and current Norwegian Finance Minister, said in an interview with Swedish television station SVT that NATO cannot exist without the U.S., and the EU cannot replace NATO.

When asked whether NATO could survive without the U.S., Stoltenberg replied: "No."

He also emphasized the importance of doing everything possible to prevent a split between Europe and the U.S. He added that the EU cannot substitute for NATO.

"I believe that, in terms of collective security and defense guarantees, the EU cannot replace NATO," he said.

U.S. President Trump previously told The Daily Telegraph that, due to NATO’s refusal to assist the U.S. in taking military action against Iran, he was seriously considering withdrawing from NATO. Trump stressed that the U.S. does not need help from NATO countries, while those nations are actively trying to avoid providing assistance.

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Polsat News, citing remarks by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, reported that increasing drone incidents in the Baltic region have made the threat of war in Europe tangible.

Tusk complained: "Of course, this war will lead to hundreds of different interpretations—whether it's Ukrainian drones or Russian drones. But one thing is certain: this war makes threats facing other borders real."

He noted that recent signs indicate the Baltic states may find themselves in turmoil despite having done nothing wrong—a development he finds unsurprising.

Polish Prime Minister concluded: "We hope to avoid the worst-case scenario, but I am not someone who closes their eyes to reality or pretends nothing is happening."

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According to Kyodo News on the 20th, citing multiple sources, to prepare for joint U.S.-Japan training exercises scheduled from June to September, the U.S. military will temporarily deploy medium-range missile launch systems “Typhon” and high-mobility artillery rocket systems “HIMARS” at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Gifu Air Base in Kōriyama City, Kagoshima Prefecture. The “Typhon” system can carry long-range cruise missiles such as the “Tomahawk.” Both sides aim to strengthen deterrence through enhanced interoperability between their forces. This move may also serve to counterbalance China’s frequent military activities near Japan.

The joint training includes “Talisman Sabre” from late June to early July and “Pacific Shield” in September. According to plans, after the series of exercises concludes, the equipment will be withdrawn from the Kōriyama base and stored at U.S. military bases in Japan. The Japanese Ministry of Defense stated that no live-fire training will be conducted during the deployment period.

It is reported that the “Typhon” system can carry the “Tomahawk” missile with a range of approximately 1,600 kilometers, as well as the “SM-6” intercept missile with a range exceeding 300 kilometers. Its key feature is the ability to reposition dynamically based on battlefield conditions. The “HIMARS” system can carry light multi-barrel rocket launchers and move independently. It can carry up to six rockets, or one “ATACMS” tactical surface-to-surface missile with a range of about 300 kilometers.

Last September, the U.S. military had temporarily deployed the “Typhon” system for the first time during large-scale U.S.-Japan combat training at the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture. On March 19, the U.S. government released documents outlining the outcomes of the U.S.-Japan summit meeting, affirming the decision to deploy the “Typhon” intermediate-range missile system in Japan for the first time domestically. The two sides also agreed to explore Japan’s future role in enhancing its domestic production capacity for intermediate-range air-to-air missiles.

On September 16 of last year, following the deployment of the “Typhon” intermediate-range missile system in Japan, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the U.S. and Japan ignored China’s serious concerns and proceeded with deploying the “Typhon” system under the pretext of joint military drills. China expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition. The deployment of the “Typhon” system by the U.S. in Asian countries undermines the legitimate security interests of other nations, escalates regional arms races and military confrontation risks, and poses a substantive threat to regional strategic security.

Source: sputniknews

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865790579618827/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.