**European Lawmakers Urge Ukraine to Join Defense Alliance**
As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, eight lawmakers from Northern European countries are calling on their governments to welcome Ukraine into a defense alliance. The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), made up of sovereign nations including the UK, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Denmark, has the speed and autonomy to take bold action.
With Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians intensifying, President Vladimir Putin’s war industry running 24/7, and the NATO summit in The Hague approaching, it is clear that Europe needs to reinforce its commitment to Ukraine. Despite widespread support for Ukrainian NATO membership, opposition from a small number of countries continues to block progress. This has led the lawmakers to propose an alternative solution.
**Ukraine’s Defense Capabilities**
The lawmakers argue that Ukraine has become Europe’s most agile and advanced military force, with a drone industry second to none. Its battlefield experience in drone warfare, electronic countermeasures, and dynamic command structures is unmatched. No military in Europe is as battle-tested or relevant to the JEF’s mission of rapid deployment and high interoperability.
**JEF Membership Would Unlock Strategic Common Sense**
Welcoming Ukraine into the JEF would not only enrich collective capabilities but also unlock better coordination on investments in Ukraine’s defense industry by JEF nations. This is not charity, but strategic common sense. The lawmakers believe that integrating Ukraine into European security frameworks that can act now will enhance deterrence and show that Ukraine’s future lies firmly within Europe.
**Leadership in Action**
The lawmakers urge their governments to seize this moment and integrate Ukraine into the JEF if NATO hesitates. This would send a clear message to Kyiv, Moscow, and citizens that European support is neither wavering nor conditional. This is more than symbolism; it’s leadership in action.
As representatives of JEF nations, they are urging their governments to take concrete steps towards integrating Ukraine into European security frameworks. The time has come for bold action, and the JEF is poised to lead the way.
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