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Newsweek
an hour ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
NATO Ally 'Can't Rely' Solely on US for Protection, Ex-Trump Adviser Warns
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. can no longer be considered a reliable ally for Britain and the other NATO members, former Russia adviser to President Donald Trump Fiona Hill said in a recent interview with British newspaper The Guardian. "We're in pretty big trouble," the American-British national said during her interview about the U.K.'s vulnerable geopolitical situation. "We can't rely exclusively on anyone anymore," she said, casting doubt on Trump's determination to tackle Vladimir Putin's aggressive expansion ambitions in Europe. Why It Matters Hill's comments reflect widespread concerns in Europe that the U.S. is no longer the reliable ally it used to be for the continent, and European nations need to quickly get ready to fend for themselves, boosting military spending, forging new alliances or strengthening existing ones. Earlier this week, most NATO members voted to endorse Trump's demand for them to increase their defense spending to 5 percent of their GDP. But this goal might be hard to reach: already in 2023, NATO leaders agreed to spend at least 2 percent of their GDP on national defense budgets, but 22 of the 32 member states are still falling short. During #DefMin, NATO Defence Ministers agreed an ambitious new set of capability targets to build a stronger, fairer, more lethal Alliance, and ensure warfighting readiness for years to come Tap to learn more ↓ — NATO (@NATO) June 5, 2025 What To Know While Hill was born in England, she lived and worked in the U.S. for 30 years, ascending to the role of the White House's chief adviser on Russia during Trump's first administration. Her role was cut short in the summer of 2019, when she was fired by the president, who later accused her of being "terrible at her job." The dismissal followed Hill's testimony at Trump's impeachment trial, where she spoke of Russian meddling at the heart of the White House. Since then, Hill has spoken repeatedly of Trump's admitted admiration for Putin, criticizing his soft approach to the Russian strongman. Fiona Hill, former senior director for Europe and Russia at the National Security Council, on February 2, 2022, on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. Fiona Hill, former senior director for Europe and Russia at the National Security Council, on February 2, 2022, on Capitol Hill in Washington said that Putin had "declared war on the West" through his invasion of Ukraine, which the Kremlin leader presented to his counterparts in China, North Korea and Iran as "part of a proxy war with the United States." But Trump, who has long admired the Russian president, appears unwilling to take a strong stance against him and instead "wants to have a separate relationship with Putin to do arms-control agreements and also business that will probably enrich their entourage further," Hill told The Guardian. While Trump has recently shown frustration with Putin, who has largely ignored or stalled on the U.S. president's calls for an end to the invasion of Ukraine, he has remained reluctant to impose further sanctions on Moscow—a type of punishment that European leaders have instead embraced. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Hill said: "If you offer the Russians a carrot, they just eat it, or they take it and hit you over the head with it." What People Are Saying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in March: "If Europe wants to avoid war, Europe must get ready for war. By 2030, Europe must have a strong European defense posture." Though she recently insisted that the U.S. was still "an ally," in April she said: "The West as we knew it no longer exists." France's President Emmanuel Macron, who has long advocated for the creation of an EU army and boosting military spending, said in January: "What will we do in Europe tomorrow if our American ally withdraws its warships from the Mediterranean? If they send their fighter jets from the Atlantic to the Pacific?" Earlier this week, President Donald Trump described a phone call with Putin as a "good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace." During the phone call, he said, Putin said "he will have to respond to the recent [Ukrainian] attack on the airfields," Trump wrote on social media, without adding whether he tried to sway the Russian leader from doing so. On June 1, Kyiv launched coordinated, long-range strikes on multiple Russian airbases thousands of miles from Ukraine which took out more than a third of Moscow's strategic cruise missile carriers. What Happens Next According to Hill, Putin sees the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a way toward establishing the country's dominance as a "military power in all of Europe." And the U.S., she warned, cannot be relied on at the moment to help Europe fight off this growing threat. When it comes to defense, she said, the U.K.—and the other NATO members—should not rely on the military umbrella of Washington as they did during the Cold War, "not in the way we did before." A recent survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations found that Europeans are increasingly losing confidence in the U.S. from a geopolitical perspective. A majority, according to the study released in February, considered the U.S. a "necessary partner" rather than "an ally."
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
UK faces calls for 5% GDP defence spend, ahead of PM's meeting with Nato chief
Mark Rutte, the secretary general of the alliance, said on Thursday he is proposing Nato members spend 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence. Mr Rutte, who will visit the UK next week to meet the Prime Minister, said members will be expected to spend 3.5% on the military, with a further 1.5% on defence-related measures. The commitment dwarfs Sir Keir's current defence plans, through which the UK would spend 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with an 'ambition' to raise this to 3% in the next parliament, a period which could stretch to 2034. Mr Rutte is said to be pushing for the target to be met by 2032, but speaking to reporters in Brussels, he suggested there was a need to 'consult' member countries on the details of a deadline. At a press conference, Mr Rutte said: 'I will propose an overall investment plan that will total 5% of GDP in defence investment and 3.5% of GDP for core defence spending.' He said this was to meet new 'capability targets' that ministers agreed on at a meeting earlier on Thursday, as well as 1.5% per year in 'defence and security-related investments like infrastructure and industry'. Asked if he could ensure countries would meet the commitment over time, Mr Rutte said he had a 'cunning plan' to hold political leaders to account, 'that nations will commit to yearly plans showing the increase each year to make sure that you come to the new target of 5%'. This would prevent a 'hockey stick' on a graph of spending over time, where it suddenly ramps up towards the end, he added. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaking earlier this week as he launched the Strategic Defence Review (Andy Buchanan/PA) The US, which currently spends 3.4% of GDP on defence, is also being asked to meet the commitment, Mr Rutte said. 'The US is committed to increase defence spending to 5%,' he added. Asked about a timeline for the commitment, Mr Rutte said he did not want to 'go into more details', adding: 'Obviously, allies will have discussions amongst each other. 'We will consult with each other on some of these details. For example, what is the end date that you want to have reached it?' Amid pressure from Nato to ramp up spending beyond Sir Keir's current plans, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has said he was sure the UK was 'going to get there'. 'We think everyone is going to get there, we really do. It's important they do. It's important that the UK gets there,' Mr Hegseth told reporters. We will continue to protect our people and our way of life. To do this, we must increase defence spending to make NATO a stronger, fairer, and more lethal Alliance #DefMin — NATO (@NATO) June 5, 2025 Elsewhere, Mr Hegseth declined to name countries not yet committed to the 5% pledge, but then proceeded to name those he claimed were committed, including France, Germany, the Baltic and Nordic countries, Poland, Greece and Hungary. Downing Street said it would not 'get ahead of' the Nato leaders' summit in the Hague later this month. A Number 10 spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister is clear that Europe must step up on defence and security, and we are proud to be leading the way with our Nato-first focused SDR, the commitment of our nuclear deterrent and nearly all of our armed forces to Nato and our historic uplift to defence spending. 'But I'm not going to get ahead of the summit in a couple of weeks time.' During his meeting with Mr Rutte on Monday, the Prime Minister is likely to raise the question of how 'we can ensure all allies meet their stated pledges in support of our collective defence', according to Downing Street. As well as his talks with Sir Keir, the former Dutch prime minister will visit Sheffield Forgemasters with Defence Secretary John Healey, and give a speech at Chatham House.
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
UK faces calls for 5% GDP defence spend, ahead of PM's meeting with Nato chief
Mark Rutte, the secretary general of the alliance, said on Thursday he is proposing Nato members spend 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence. Mr Rutte, who will visit the UK next week to meet the Prime Minister, said members will be expected to spend 3.5% on the military, with a further 1.5% on defence-related measures. The commitment dwarfs Sir Keir's current defence plans, through which the UK would spend 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with an 'ambition' to raise this to 3% in the next parliament, a period which could stretch to 2034. Mr Rutte is said to be pushing for the target to be met by 2032, but speaking to reporters in Brussels, he suggested there was a need to 'consult' member countries on the details of a deadline. At a press conference, Mr Rutte said: 'I will propose an overall investment plan that will total 5% of GDP in defence investment and 3.5% of GDP for core defence spending.' He said this was to meet new 'capability targets' that ministers agreed on at a meeting earlier on Thursday, as well as 1.5% per year in 'defence and security-related investments like infrastructure and industry'. Asked if he could ensure countries would meet the commitment over time, Mr Rutte said he had a 'cunning plan' to hold political leaders to account, 'that nations will commit to yearly plans showing the increase each year to make sure that you come to the new target of 5%'. This would prevent a 'hockey stick' on a graph of spending over time, where it suddenly ramps up towards the end, he added. The US, which currently spends 3.4% of GDP on defence, is also being asked to meet the commitment, Mr Rutte said. 'The US is committed to increase defence spending to 5%,' he added. Asked about a timeline for the commitment, Mr Rutte said he did not want to 'go into more details', adding: 'Obviously, allies will have discussions amongst each other. 'We will consult with each other on some of these details. For example, what is the end date that you want to have reached it?' Amid pressure from Nato to ramp up spending beyond Sir Keir's current plans, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has said he was sure the UK was 'going to get there'. 'We think everyone is going to get there, we really do. It's important they do. It's important that the UK gets there,' Mr Hegseth told reporters. We will continue to protect our people and our way of life. To do this, we must increase defence spending to make NATO a stronger, fairer, and more lethal Alliance #DefMin — NATO (@NATO) June 5, 2025 Elsewhere, Mr Hegseth declined to name countries not yet committed to the 5% pledge, but then proceeded to name those he claimed were committed, including France, Germany, the Baltic and Nordic countries, Poland, Greece and Hungary. Downing Street said it would not 'get ahead of' the Nato leaders' summit in the Hague later this month. A Number 10 spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister is clear that Europe must step up on defence and security, and we are proud to be leading the way with our Nato-first focused SDR, the commitment of our nuclear deterrent and nearly all of our armed forces to Nato and our historic uplift to defence spending. 'But I'm not going to get ahead of the summit in a couple of weeks time.' During his meeting with Mr Rutte on Monday, the Prime Minister is likely to raise the question of how 'we can ensure all allies meet their stated pledges in support of our collective defence', according to Downing Street. As well as his talks with Sir Keir, the former Dutch prime minister will visit Sheffield Forgemasters with Defence Secretary John Healey, and give a speech at Chatham House.
North Wales Chronicle
3 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
UK faces calls for 5% GDP defence spend, ahead of PM's meeting with Nato chief
Mark Rutte, the secretary general of the alliance, said on Thursday he is proposing Nato members spend 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence. Mr Rutte, who will visit the UK next week to meet the Prime Minister, said members will be expected to spend 3.5% on the military, with a further 1.5% on defence-related measures. The commitment dwarfs Sir Keir's current defence plans, through which the UK would spend 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with an 'ambition' to raise this to 3% in the next parliament, a period which could stretch to 2034. Mr Rutte is said to be pushing for the target to be met by 2032, but speaking to reporters in Brussels, he suggested there was a need to 'consult' member countries on the details of a deadline. At a press conference, Mr Rutte said: 'I will propose an overall investment plan that will total 5% of GDP in defence investment and 3.5% of GDP for core defence spending.' He said this was to meet new 'capability targets' that ministers agreed on at a meeting earlier on Thursday, as well as 1.5% per year in 'defence and security-related investments like infrastructure and industry'. Asked if he could ensure countries would meet the commitment over time, Mr Rutte said he had a 'cunning plan' to hold political leaders to account, 'that nations will commit to yearly plans showing the increase each year to make sure that you come to the new target of 5%'. This would prevent a 'hockey stick' on a graph of spending over time, where it suddenly ramps up towards the end, he added. The US, which currently spends 3.4% of GDP on defence, is also being asked to meet the commitment, Mr Rutte said. 'The US is committed to increase defence spending to 5%,' he added. Asked about a timeline for the commitment, Mr Rutte said he did not want to 'go into more details', adding: 'Obviously, allies will have discussions amongst each other. 'We will consult with each other on some of these details. For example, what is the end date that you want to have reached it?' Amid pressure from Nato to ramp up spending beyond Sir Keir's current plans, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has said he was sure the UK was 'going to get there'. 'We think everyone is going to get there, we really do. It's important they do. It's important that the UK gets there,' Mr Hegseth told reporters. We will continue to protect our people and our way of life. To do this, we must increase defence spending to make NATO a stronger, fairer, and more lethal Alliance #DefMin — NATO (@NATO) June 5, 2025 Elsewhere, Mr Hegseth declined to name countries not yet committed to the 5% pledge, but then proceeded to name those he claimed were committed, including France, Germany, the Baltic and Nordic countries, Poland, Greece and Hungary. Downing Street said it would not 'get ahead of' the Nato leaders' summit in the Hague later this month. A Number 10 spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister is clear that Europe must step up on defence and security, and we are proud to be leading the way with our Nato-first focused SDR, the commitment of our nuclear deterrent and nearly all of our armed forces to Nato and our historic uplift to defence spending. 'But I'm not going to get ahead of the summit in a couple of weeks time.' During his meeting with Mr Rutte on Monday, the Prime Minister is likely to raise the question of how 'we can ensure all allies meet their stated pledges in support of our collective defence', according to Downing Street. As well as his talks with Sir Keir, the former Dutch prime minister will visit Sheffield Forgemasters with Defence Secretary John Healey, and give a speech at Chatham House.
Powys County Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
UK faces calls for 5% GDP defence spend, ahead of PM's meeting with Nato chief
The UK will be expected to spend 5% of its economic output on defence investment, the chief of Nato has said, ahead of a meeting with Sir Keir Starmer next week. Mark Rutte, the secretary general of the alliance, said on Thursday he is proposing Nato members spend 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence. Mr Rutte, who will visit the UK next week to meet the Prime Minister, said members will be expected to spend 3.5% on the military, with a further 1.5% on defence-related measures. The commitment dwarfs Sir Keir's current defence plans, through which the UK would spend 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with an 'ambition' to raise this to 3% in the next parliament, a period which could stretch to 2034. Mr Rutte is said to be pushing for the target to be met by 2032, but speaking to reporters in Brussels, he suggested there was a need to 'consult' member countries on the details of a deadline. At a press conference, Mr Rutte said: 'I will propose an overall investment plan that will total 5% of GDP in defence investment and 3.5% of GDP for core defence spending.' He said this was to meet new 'capability targets' that ministers agreed on at a meeting earlier on Thursday, as well as 1.5% per year in 'defence and security-related investments like infrastructure and industry'. Asked if he could ensure countries would meet the commitment over time, Mr Rutte said he had a 'cunning plan' to hold political leaders to account, 'that nations will commit to yearly plans showing the increase each year to make sure that you come to the new target of 5%'. This would prevent a 'hockey stick' on a graph of spending over time, where it suddenly ramps up towards the end, he added. The US, which currently spends 3.4% of GDP on defence, is also being asked to meet the commitment, Mr Rutte said. 'The US is committed to increase defence spending to 5%,' he added. Asked about a timeline for the commitment, Mr Rutte said he did not want to 'go into more details', adding: 'Obviously, allies will have discussions amongst each other. 'We will consult with each other on some of these details. For example, what is the end date that you want to have reached it?' Amid pressure from Nato to ramp up spending beyond Sir Keir's current plans, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has said he was sure the UK was 'going to get there'. 'We think everyone is going to get there, we really do. It's important they do. It's important that the UK gets there,' Mr Hegseth told reporters. We will continue to protect our people and our way of life. To do this, we must increase defence spending to make NATO a stronger, fairer, and more lethal Alliance #DefMin — NATO (@NATO) June 5, 2025 Elsewhere, Mr Hegseth declined to name countries not yet committed to the 5% pledge, but then proceeded to name those he claimed were committed, including France, Germany, the Baltic and Nordic countries, Poland, Greece and Hungary. Downing Street said it would not 'get ahead of' the Nato leaders' summit in the Hague later this month. A Number 10 spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister is clear that Europe must step up on defence and security, and we are proud to be leading the way with our Nato-first focused SDR, the commitment of our nuclear deterrent and nearly all of our armed forces to Nato and our historic uplift to defence spending. 'But I'm not going to get ahead of the summit in a couple of weeks time.' During his meeting with Mr Rutte on Monday, the Prime Minister is likely to raise the question of how 'we can ensure all allies meet their stated pledges in support of our collective defence', according to Downing Street. As well as his talks with Sir Keir, the former Dutch prime minister will visit Sheffield Forgemasters with Defence Secretary John Healey, and give a speech at Chatham House.
