"European Security: Navigating Putin's Threats and Strengthening Defense"

As European leaders gathered in Munich, President Vladimir Putin's threats and recent actions in Ukraine have left the continent feeling anxious and uncertain about its defense strategy, especially as the U.S.'s commitment wavers. Russia's recent gains in Ukraine, suspicions surrounding Aleksei Navalny's death, and the potential placement of a space-based nuclear weapon by Putin have heightened concerns. European leaders are recognizing the urgent need to bolster their own defense capabilities, but acknowledge that their response may be too slow to address the current threats.