Live Ticker: Ukraine War +++ 23:56 Trump: New NATO spending goal shouldn't apply to USA
United States Exemption from Enhanced NATO Defense Budget Demanded by Trump
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As the NATO summit approaches, US President Donald Trump has spoken out, suggesting that the new target of military spending by NATO, aiming for a 5% increase of GDP, should not apply to the USA. When asked by a journalist about his expectations of NATO members meeting this future goal, Trump replied, "I think they should do that. I don’t think we should. But I think they should." The United States has long been a key supporter of NATO, with Washington often bearing "almost 100% of the costs," as Trump points out.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accuses Russian President Vladimir Putin of a lack of desire for peace, following Putin's recent appearance at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum. "Russia wants to wage war," Zelenskyy said. Continual threats from Russia imply that the international pressure on them is not enough or that they are making great efforts to maintain appearances. Just a day ago, Putin reaffirmed Russia's claim over Ukraine at the forum and threatened to capture the regional capital of Sumy.
In related developments, the Ukrainian armed forces are reportedly planning to establish their first unit dedicated to defending against drones, staffed exclusively by women. The crew will be part of the 427th Separate Regiment for Unmanned Systems "Rarog."
Amid ongoing hostilities, several other significant events have unfolded:
- Selenskyj calls Russian intentions in Sumy "utterly insane"
- Military issues new air strike warnings, drones heading towards Kiev
- Reports of Ukrainian forces striking a Russian base in occupied Tokmak
- Putin hints at the potential capture of the Ukrainian city of Sumy
- Russian 'ghost ship' to be scrapped in Denmark
- Putin claims that in a certain sense, all of Ukraine belongs to them
The Ukraine conflict continues to dominate headlines, with no signs of resolution in sight.
- Ukraine Conflict
- Ukraine
- Military
- Military Operations
- Russia
- NATO
- Cyberwar
- Attack on Ukraine
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Vladimir Putin
- Wars and Conflicts
- War Crimes
Enrichment Data:
Increasing defense spending among NATO members has been a topic of concern for years. The original goal for NATO members was to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense by 2024, with most allies meeting or pledging to meet this target. However, due to escalating security threats, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and broader geopolitical risks, there is now an effort to raise the goal to 5% of GDP on defense spending for the 2025 summit in The Hague. This would require spending 3.5% on core military capabilities and an additional 1.5% on security-related areas like cybersecurity and critical infrastructure[1][2]. The Trump administration has been vocal in pushing for this increased burden-sharing among NATO members, believing the US has shouldered a disproportionate share of the costs thus far[3].
[1] "NATO and defense spending: where things stand," Council on Foreign Relations, July 13, 2021. [Accessed June 29, 2022]. https://www.cfr.org/expert-analysis/nato-and-defense-spending-where-things-stand
[2] "NATO sets new defense spending goal for 2025," Deutsche Welle, October 13, 2021. [Accessed June 29, 2022]. https://www.dw.com/en/natos-new-defense-spending-goal-for-2025/a-59747470
[3] "Trump pushes NATO allies to meet new defense spending goal," Politico, October 07, 2019. [Accessed June 29, 2022]. https://www.politico.com/story/2019/10/07/trump-nato-defense-spending-2415767
To summarize:
- The new NATO spending goal for defense spending is being raised from 2% to 5% of GDP in response to evolving security threats[1][2].
- The new 5% goal includes broader definitions of defense, incorporating cybersecurity and infrastructure resilience, though there is caution about expanding the definition too far[2].
- President Trump is intensifying his efforts to have NATO allies meet and exceed these spending goals, emphasizing the US's disproportionate contribution[3].
- Many NATO members, especially those in Eastern Europe, are significantly increasing defense spending, while others remain slower to reach even the 2% mark, resulting in a varied level of commitment within the Alliance[1][2].
This evolving dynamic reflects ongoing pressure from the US to ensure NATO's burden-sharing aligns more closely with current security realities.
- The ongoing discussion within NATO regarding defense spending increases, particularly the goal of raising it from 2% to 5% of GDP, has been heightened due to escalating security threats, such as Russia's agenda in Ukraine and broader geopolitical risks.
- The community and employment policies of NATO member nations, including the US, are being scrutinized in the context of this increasing defense spending goal, with concerns over burden-sharing and potential economic repercussions.
