Military chiefs from Turkey, Britain, and France convened in Paris on Thursday as European nations intensify discussions on restructuring regional security in response to ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Turkish Chief of General Staff Metin Gurak met with his French counterpart Thierry Burkhard and Britain’s Admiral Sir Tony Radakin to address pressing defense and security concerns. The trilateral talks underscored a shared commitment to strengthening Europe’s defense posture.
Burkhard, in a statement on X, highlighted a “convergence of views on the need to provide a solid response to support Ukraine” and to safeguard Europe’s security amid escalating tensions.
The meeting followed a larger gathering in Paris earlier this week, where military leaders from more than 30 countries discussed coordinated efforts to assist Ukraine. Notably, the United States was absent from the discussions, further fueling speculation about Washington’s evolving role in European security.
Meanwhile, in a separate diplomatic engagement, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler welcomed UK Defense Secretary John Healey in Ankara on Thursday. The two officials engaged in comprehensive talks on bilateral and regional defense cooperation before leading inter-delegation discussions.
These high-level engagements come at a time when European nations are reassessing their defense policies, with many increasing military spending and collaboration in anticipation of a potentially reduced U.S. presence on the continent.
