BRUSSELS   European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday described Russian President Vladimir Putin as "a predator" who "can only be kept in check by a strong deterrence," stressing the need for Europe to strengthen its defense posture. In a video message to the 5th European Defense and Security Conference, von der Leyen warned that the war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year, has underlined the urgency for Europe to boost its military readiness and defense industry. "The defense