Europe Sustains Ukraine Defense as NATO Urges Higher Spending Amid US Support Uncertainty

European NATO members and Canada have already surpassed the estimated $20 billion in U.S. military aid to Ukraine last year, signaling Europe's capability to sustain Ukraine's defense against Russia even if the United States halts its support, according to Major General Christian Freuding. The ongoing conflict is viewed as crucial to the European security order, with Europe ready to compensate for any potential lapse in American assistance if there is political will. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that NATO allies must increase their defense spending and not rely solely on American military capabilities, advocating for a new defense spending target of 5% of GDP across the alliance. This push aligns with President Donald Trump's administration's stance that NATO members need to contribute more to their own defense, with the U.S. committed to deterrence but unwilling to bear the entire burden. NATO defense ministers are expected to agree on updated capability goals and defense spending targets in upcoming meetings, underscoring the importance of collective responsibility within the alliance amid Russia's ongoing military expansion. The combined efforts aim to strengthen NATO's deterrence and peace through shared strength rather than dependence on the United States alone.