EU Leaders Urge $936B Defense Boost Amid Russia Threat

European leaders are issuing urgent calls for a significant boost in defense spending and military readiness across the continent in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine and an escalating threat from Russia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that Europe must take full responsibility for its defense, proposing up to $936 billion in military investment and $175 billion in loans to strengthen the EU's defense industry and joint procurement efforts. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed these concerns, warning that Russia could pose a credible threat to the EU by 2030 and emphasizing the need to ramp up defense production and strategic readiness within five years. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged member states to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, highlighting the risks of cyberattacks and hybrid warfare from Russia. Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda reinforced the message that no European country can feel safe without proper preparation and called for continued support for Ukraine and comprehensive security plans for the Baltic states. These calls reflect a growing consensus that Europe can no longer rely on external powers for its security and must urgently invest in defense to counter Russia's military buildup and hybrid threats.