NATO Seeks Long-Range Missiles Amid Russia Arsenal Expansion

China has openly supported Russia in its war against Ukraine by supplying critical components for Russia's Shahed strike drones and ballistic missiles, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stating that China cannot accept a defeat of Russia. The Russian military has significantly increased production of these long-range weapons, aided by Chinese technology and North Korean labor, which has intensified nightly drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. NATO and U.S. military officials emphasize the need to expand their stockpile of long-range missiles to deter Russian aggression effectively, highlighting Europe's heavy reliance on U.S. missile capabilities. Major General John Rafferty noted that Russia’s army is larger than at the war’s start and will continue investing in sophisticated long-range rockets and air defenses, prompting discussions about deploying U.S. missiles in Europe despite Russian objections. European defense leaders, including France’s Chief of Staff Thierry Burkart, advocate for a stronger European military response independent of U.S. support, viewing the conflict as a broader threat to European stability and NATO. These developments underscore the interconnected nature of the Ukraine war and broader geopolitical tensions involving China and Russia.