Five European NATO members are prepared to take greater responsibility for the continent’s security while maintaining close military cooperation with the United States, France24 reports. The initiative involves France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom.

Following talks in Paris, defense ministers from the five countries agreed to strengthen Europe’s military capabilities and expand their role within NATO. At the same time, they reaffirmed that Washington remains an indispensable ally whose continued involvement is essential to the alliance’s strength and credibility.

French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin said the countries intend to build a stronger Europe within an equally strong NATO. She stressed that the defense plan had been developed transparently and in coordination with the United States.

The announcement comes amid reports of potential Russian demands concerning NATO’s military presence in Europe. The Telegraph previously reported that Moscow could raise the issue of reducing the alliance’s military deployment to its 1997 levels during negotiations over Ukraine.

According to the British newspaper, Russia intends to use the proposal to seek concessions on NATO-related issues during the next round of Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi.