Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Poland presented a united front in Berlin prior to the upcoming NATO summit. The five nations jointly called for a strengthened European pillar within the alliance, emphasizing increased European defense capabilities. They reaffirmed their commitment to continued support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. Leaders stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia through sanctions and other measures. The coordinated message signals a desire for a more assertive European role in transatlantic security. This display of unity aims to influence discussions and outcomes at the NATO summit, focusing on collective defense and deterrence. The group underscored Russia as the principal threat to European security.