EU Proposes $800 Billion Defense Plan as U.S. Pauses Ukraine Aid

Ursula von der Leyen unveils a five-point plan to bolster European defense spending ahead of a critical EU summit on Ukraine.

The EU Commission President announced a proposal to mobilize nearly $800 billion to strengthen European defense capabilities.
The plan includes easing debt rules, offering $150 billion in loans, and leveraging private investment to support military spending.
The initiative aims to ramp up military aid to Ukraine, following the U.S. decision to temporarily halt its assistance to the country.
France criticized the U.S. decision, warning it could embolden Russia and undermine prospects for a lasting peace.
The EU summit on Thursday is expected to address these developments, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attending as a guest.