Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • NATO
    • China
    • Syria
    • Israel-Iran
  • Research
    • Briefs
    • Explainers
    • Reports
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Europe and Eurasia / UK may ‘step into the breach’ and shield EU ally from Russia as US commitment weakens
Europe and Eurasia, Deterrence, Nuclear weapons, Russia, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

March 1, 2025

UK may ‘step into the breach’ and shield EU ally from Russia as US commitment weakens

Jennifer Kavanagh, Senior Fellow & Director of Military Analysis at the US-based Defense Priorities think tank, said that the UK is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in Europe’s nuclear deterrence. She added: “The UK has the capability and political will to extend its nuclear protection beyond its own borders. In the wake of US hesitations, the UK could step into the breach, ensuring Germany is shielded from Russian nuclear coercion.” Ms Kavanagh, speaking before Friday’s extraordinary clash between Mr Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasised the strategic importance of the UK’s nuclear submarines and air force.

Despite these challenges, Kavanagh emphasised that Europe cannot afford to rely solely on the US for its nuclear deterrence. She concluded: “If the UK and France can ensure that their nuclear umbrella remains credible, it would enhance Europe’s long-term security and diminish its dependency on the US.

Watch at Express UK

Featuring

Jennifer
Kavanagh

Senior Fellow & Director of Military Analysis

Defense Priorities

More on Europe

op-edNATO, Europe and Eurasia, Russia

Poland’s drone scare is not grounds for Nato escalation

By Jennifer Kavanagh

September 12, 2025

op-edEurope and Eurasia, NATO, Russia, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

EU elites are finally waking up to the collapse of the world as they knew it

By Daniel DePetris

September 10, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

For Putin, bargaining and bombing aren’t mutually exclusive

By Jennifer Kavanagh

September 9, 2025

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia

Daniel Davis assesses the potential for Russia-Ukraine peace on NewsNation

Featuring Daniel Davis

September 8, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Is the West fooling itself on Ukraine security guarantees?

By Daniel DePetris

September 3, 2025

op-edAlliances, NATO, Ukraine‑Russia

Who will wield all those shiny new weapons?

By Gil Barndollar

September 3, 2025

Events on Europe and Eurasia

See All Events
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Air power, Diplomacy, Drones, Europe and Eurasia, Land power, Military analysis, Russia, Ukraine

Past Virtual Event: Ukraine’s critical choice: Pursue peace or fight on

April 16, 2025
virtualChina, Alliances, Balance of power, Diplomacy, Grand strategy, Russia

Past Virtual Event: China-Russia: Cooperation or a no-limits alliance?

April 3, 2025
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Past Virtual Event: Trump and Ukraine: Prolonging or ending the war

December 13, 2024

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • About
  • For Media
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact
© 2025 Defense Priorities All Right Reserved