UK says Russia’s war in Ukraine makes Putin’s assurances unreliable, signals openness to Germany joining GCAP fighter program

British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine made it impossible for Europe to simply take President Vladimir Putin’s assurances that he does not seek a wider war at face value.

“We all wish that we could take President Putin’s assurances that he doesn’t seek war with Europe at face value,” Streeting said. “But unfortunately, he’s currently waging a war in Europe. A war that he could end today.”

He described Russia’s invasion as unprovoked and illegal and said Moscow could end the conflict whenever it chose.

Streeting also said Britain was open to Germany participating in the Global Combat Air Programme, the next-generation fighter project being developed jointly by the UK, Italy and Japan.

“We’d certainly be open to German participation in that program,” he said, adding that Britain wanted to understand Germany’s requirements and determine whether the countries’ strategic and industrial interests aligned.

Germany is currently assessing whether to join GCAP after the collapse of its rival fighter project with France earlier this year. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said last week that Berlin was considering participation, though no decision has been made.

GCAP is intended to deliver a sixth-generation combat aircraft from 2035. Canada joined the program as its first observer nation in July.