King Charles pledges to defend Europe as he condemns Russian aggression

The message sent to Putin was clear

Tensions between Russia and Europe have seemingly intensified this week, with the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, accusing the European allies of Ukraine of sabotaging the efforts led by the United States to end the war.

Putin also said that Moscow was ready for war with Europe, and the UK Government dismissed these comments as “claptrap” and “sabre-rattling”.

The King’s comments, which were made during a Windsor Castle state banquet staged in honour of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, came as the Russian president also refused the proposed changes by Ukraine and Europe to a draft peace plan, deeming it as unacceptable.

“With regard to shared defence, our German-British Bridging Battalion at Minden – which I visited during our state visit two years ago – is literally building bridges, a unique partnership at the heart of Nato”, Charles told the guests.

He added that “more broadly, of course, the United Kingdom and Germany together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression.”

King Charles also remarked that “the United Kingdom and Germany are united in a continued belief in democracy, freedom and the rule of law.”

The German president echoed the statements made by King Charles in relation to the intensified tensions, as he told the guests that “we are working together to promote security and defence, side by side for a free, peaceful Europe, side by side in support of Ukraine.”

Large parts of the King’s speech were spoken in German and he talked about something that is very important for both countries, which is football.

In a lighter moment during the state banquet, the King told the guests at Windsor Castle that “in the end, the Germans win”.