Today at 17:22
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker explained that the Russian threat is the reason behind the American demand for NATO members to rapidly increase their defense budgets.
He made this statement on Thursday while speaking to journalists at NATO headquarters.
Ambassador Whitaker, who was accompanying U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, made the remark in his presence.
The diplomat sought to justify why the U.S. demands that European allies quickly raise their defense spending to 5%. As is known, the U.S. side advocates for an immediate increase in Europe’s defense expenditures.
“We don’t set the timeline (for increasing budgets); the threats do. Russia will ‘rearm’ and recover in 5 years or sooner,” he said. Several European intelligence assessments indeed warn of the threat of Russia quickly restoring its ability to attack NATO states within five years after the war ends.
“Europeans constantly tell us that Russia is the greatest threat, and we agree — that is true in the Euro-Atlantic space. Therefore, we need to ensure investments are made,” he stated.
It is worth noting that statements and actions of senior U.S. officials do not always fully confirm that Washington considers Russia a threat. Because of this, the so-called “coalition of the resolute” is preparing for a scenario in which the U.S. might completely cease support for Ukraine. Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, said the U.S. is ready to discuss halting NATO expansion, thereby meeting Russia’s demands.
It was also reported that the new Deputy Secretary of Defense is an official who, in 2019, ordered a halt to military aid to Ukraine.
Read also: Putin should stop whining about Ukrainian strikes, start negotiations in good faith – MFA Ukraine
