Latest news with #defense spending
Fox News
a day ago
- Business
- Fox News
'Trump has changed the game': NATO enters brave new era under pressure from US, Russia
The effects of both President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine on NATO have forced swift and potentially permanent changes in the alliance. Following last month's announcement that the majority of NATO's 32 members had agreed to increase defense spending to hit 5% of each nation's GDP, Trump drew headlines after he drastically changed his tone and declared the alliance was no longer a "rip-off." But his previously tough stance saw undeniable results in how the security group operates. "Trump has changed the game," Peter Doran, an expert on Russia, Ukraine, and transatlantic relations, and an adjunct senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said. "[Then] there's Vladimir Putin, who has clearly awakened the Europeans to the danger that Russia presents to them." Beginning in his first term, Trump made clear his resentment that only five NATO allies were meeting their 2% GDP defense spending pledges, and those criticisms rang loudly following his return to the campaign trail for the 2024 election amid Russia's war in Ukraine. Questions ran rampant over whether Trump would not only continue to provide strong U.S. support for Ukraine, but whether Washington would remain a reliable ally for Europe when confronted with the reality of a war-ready Russia. Though an increasing number of NATO nations began upping their defense spending commitments following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, several allies began pushing for changes before Trump even re-entered the White House. Trump not only threatened to remove troops from Europe and divert them to positions in Asia, but he suggested he might not come to the defense of a NATO ally should they be attacked, infamously saying at a February 2024 campaign event, "You don't pay your bills; you get no protection. It's very simple." "I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want," he said in regard to the threat of a Russian attack on a NATO nation. But his tough rhetoric appeared to yield results. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte — who has shared a good relationship with Trump — jokingly referred to Trump's geopolitical tendencies for unconventional statesmanship, particularly after he used the f-word in a fiery rant about a breakdown in the Iran-Israel ceasefire during last month's summit when he said, "Daddy has to sometimes use strong language." "Donald Trump's a real contrast to Joe Biden," Peter Rough, a senior fellow and the Director of the Hudson Institute's Center on Europe and Eurasia, told Fox News Digital. "Joe Biden, bear hugged the NATO allies to the point of smothering them with adoration, and that caused them, I think, to sit back and relax a little bit. "Donald Trump, by contrast, exposes the allies to just enough hostile power to encourage them to do more, but it doesn't expose them so much that it might invite a Russian attack," he added. "And I think that's the art of the deal, so to speak." But while experts agree it is unlikely that NATO nations would have stepped up their spending on defense even more without the pressure Trump put on them, Russian President Vladimir Putin's role in re-invigorating NATO cannot be ignored. "If Vladimir Putin and the Russians in the post-Cold War period had sought to engage Europe and chosen more of a democratic future, there might not be a NATO Alliance today," Rough said. "But Putin has given NATO a real reason to exist, and President Trump has done his part by… cajoling, pushing, nudging the allies." But not everyone is convinced that the changes NATO is undergoing are permanent. Mike Ryan, who formally served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy, told Fox News Digital he does not necessarily believe that the Trump and Putin presidencies have permanently changed the NATO alliance but said, "Both have energized and focused [the] allies." "But that's what happens in NATO when confronted with an external crisis," he added. Upon Trump's re-election there was increased concern about how the U.S. would be perceived by its allies, whether it was still considered a trusted partner or if it was returning to isolationist tendencies not seen since the lead up to World War II. "The answer is very clearly no," Doran argued. "If anything, Trump came back and did exactly the same thing he did in the first administration, and that was to remind the Europeans that they are chronically under-spending on defense. "If anything, Trump hasn't changed at all. It's the Europeans' awareness that they need to spend more, and they have responded positively to that challenge, and that is very encouraging," he added. Though Rough cautioned there is a balance to be maintained when putting such high pressure on U.S. allies. "Donald Trump's created a lot of anxiety in Europe, and it's important to convert that anxiety into policy wins," he said. "If that anxiety is allowed to linger or is exacerbated or made worse, then one could see some European states push more for so-called strategic autonomy, or a separation from the U.S. "But if that anxiety translates to… real policy victories and partnerships with Europe, then I think it can be a healthy thing," Rough said.
Arab News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
German leader Merz says his government has a ‘stable foundation' despite a dispute
The government has launched a program to encourage investment, set in motion plans to raise defense spendingMerz said at the German leader's annual summer news conference that he is 'very satisfied with what we have achieved in the first 10 weeks'BERLIN: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday that his coalition has a 'stable foundation' and has achieved a lot in its first 10 weeks, but acknowledged that 'occasional setbacks' are a risk in government as his administration struggles with its first major took office on May 6, leading a coalition of his conservative Union bloc with the center-left Social Democrats that has a relatively thin parliamentary majority. He vowed to strengthen Europe's biggest economy after years of stagnation, enable Germany to build Europe's strongest conventional army and keep the US on board with aid to government has launched a program to encourage investment, set in motion plans to raise defense spending and implemented a tougher approach to migration. Merz has taken a prominent role in diplomacy on Ukraine and other said at the German leader's annual summer news conference that he is 'very satisfied with what we have achieved in the first 10 weeks.'Merz set out to avoid the infighting that plagued ex-Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party coalition, which collapsed in November. However, the new government's record has been overshadowed over the past week by parliament's failure to elect three new justices for Germany's highest have in the past mostly been approved uneventfully. But planned votes last Friday were scrapped at the last minute after some lawmakers in Merz's bloc balked at a candidate put forward by the Social of the nominee, law professor Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, have cited her perceived liberal views on issues such as abortion. Leading Social Democrats have been irked by the conservatives' failure to follow through on an agreement on the new justices and have stood by their has downplayed the argument and insisted Friday that 'there is no time pressure' to rush to a solution. And he rejected a suggestion that his coalition is on wobbly ground, with the court nominee flap following its bumpy start when lawmakers needed an unprecedented two rounds of voting to elect Merz as chancellor in May.'This government stands on a stable foundation, on a stable majority in the German parliament,' Merz said. 'But you see from these two votes that we are living in very uncertain times, also regarding supposed certainties in the German parliament.'He said that 'we know what job we have, and high points and successes are part of that as well as occasional setbacks.'Recent polls have suggested that Merz's coalition has work to do to convince voters. Ratings for the Union and Social Democrats haven't picked up from their lackluster showing in Germany's February election. Surveys show the far-right, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany solidifying its strong second place.
Japan Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Japan Times
Ukraine reshuffles Cabinet with wartime economy struggling
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered the biggest government shake-up since Russia's full-scale invasion as the country faces a pressing need to find more money for its defense following failed diplomatic efforts to end the war. Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko was appointed as the new premier in a Cabinet stacked with presidential loyalists, many with experience of working with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Svyrydenko helped broker a landmark minerals deal with Washington earlier this year. Ukrainian lawmakers approved Svyrydenko's nomination and will vote on the entire Cabinet overhaul later on Thursday. Serhiy Marchenko and Andrii Sybiha were nominated to continue their roles as finance minister and the country's top diplomat. The reshuffle reflects Ukraine's effort to increase spending on its war effort and to strengthen — at times — strained relations with Trump administration. "The two main challenges are weapons and money,' said Volodymyr Fesenko, head of the Penta Research Institute in Kyiv. "How effectively the government can respond to them will largely determine whether we can withstand the Russian invasion next year.' Trump this week pledged fresh weapons supplies to Kyiv that would be paid for by NATO allies, mainly from Europe. He also threatened harsh economic penalties on Russia if President Vladimir Putin doesn't end his war within 50 days. The announcement offered hope of stronger support following a series of massive Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. On Wednesday, Ukraine's parliament backed a bill amending the 2025 budget to boost defense spending by 412 billion hryvnia ($10 billion) this year. The country faces a $40 billion shortfall to cover social spending, including next year's salary and pension payments, for which it needs external financing. Svyrydenko has gained clout from previous work with the U.S., which puts her in a good position to spearhead Ukraine's drive for more economic support, Fesenko said. Zelenskyy also proposed Olha Stefanishyna as envoy to the U.S., praising her "successful work' in building ties with Washington in her role as Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration. Like Svyrydenko, she also worked on the minerals deal with the U.S. The reshuffle regroups Ukraine's arms industry under the Defense Ministry, which will now be led by former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. The newly expanded Defense Ministry remit reflects the growing importance of Ukraine's domestic arms production, which currently covers 40% of what its forces use on the battlefield. While defense procurement budget is around $12 billion, the country's industry has the capacity to produce military hardware worth three times that amount. But it lacks sufficient funding. Ukraine's domestic weapons production must increase to make up 50% of the military's equipment during the first six months of the new government, Zelenskyy said in a social media post on Wednesday. Weapons production will remain a key driver of growth, but a major challenge will be to stimulate economic growth in non-military sectors during wartime, said Olena Bilan, chief economist at the Kyiv-based investment bank Dragon Capital. "I view it positively that technocrats who have proven their effectiveness in previous roles are being promoted,' Bilan said of the government's reshuffle, pointing to the urgent need to guarantee continued external financing.
The Australian
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Australian
Taiwan kicks off military drills in face of China threat
Taiwan kicked off its largest military drills Wednesday with regular troops joined by a record mobilisation of reservists for 10 days of training aimed at defending against a Chinese invasion. The annual "Han Kuang" exercises, which are being held at the same time as civilian defence drills, will run from July 9-18 and feature newly delivered US high-tech rocket systems. The self-ruled island democracy faces the constant threat of an invasion by China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to seize it. Chinese military pressure has intensified in recent years, with Beijing deploying fighter jets and warships around the island on a near-daily basis. In the lead-up to the drills Wednesday, Taiwan detected 31 sorties by Chinese military aircraft and seven warships around the island in the 24 hours to 6:00 am (2200 GMT Tuesday), according to the defence ministry. Taiwan has boosted defence spending and acquired smaller and more nimble weaponry, including drones, to enable its military to wage asymmetric warfare against its more powerful foe. Twenty-two thousand reservists -- the largest ever call-up -- are participating in this year's drills, having begun a training programme Saturday. Reservist training includes familiarisation with rifles, squad and platoon machine guns, and tactical manoeuvres. "Because these reservists have been discharged and away for a long time, upon return they need to undergo specialty refresher training," said an army officer who asked not to be named. On Wednesday, reservists wearing camouflage uniforms, helmets and boots were put through their paces, practising cleaning, assembling and aiming 65K2 rifles and machine guns. Taipei is eager to show the world, especially its key security backer Washington, that it is serious about boosting its military capability. The drills will "let the international community know that we are determined to defend ourselves, and to pass on to China that the nation's military has the confidence and ability to defend a free and democratic life", Taiwanese Defence Minister Wellington Koo said recently. This year's drills have been extended to 10 days and nine nights, from five days and four nights last year. - 'Grey zone' scenario - The Han Kuang began in 1984 when the island was still under martial law. Troops will simulate various scenarios including "grey zone harassment" -- tactics that fall short of an act of war -- as well as "long-range precision strikes" to combat a Chinese invasion in 2027, defence officials have said. Officials in the United States -- Taipei's biggest arms supplier -- have previously cited 2027 as a possible timeline for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Recently delivered High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) from the United States will be used during the drills. There will also be a separate live fire event involving US-made advanced M1A2 Abrams tanks. Taiwanese defence officials have been closely monitoring the war in Ukraine and their use of a decentralised command and control structure. "When we think practically about combat, we consider what kind of scenario Taiwan might face," a senior defence official said on the eve of the drills. "Commanders at all levels need to be able to decide what to do based on their understanding of their superior's intent. This usually requires peacetime training to build up their awareness in this regard." The exercises are being held as President Lai Ching-te, who is a staunch defender of Taiwan's sovereignty, tours the island delivering speeches aimed at "uniting the country". China has carried out several large-scale military drills around Taiwan since Lai took office last year, as the island rejects China's sovereignty stance. China specialists at risk analysis firm Eurasia Group said Beijing was "likely" to carry out more military exercises at the end of July. joy/amj/mtp
Al Mayadeen
15-07-2025
- Business
- Al Mayadeen
NATO's defense spending surge may cause its collapse: Lavrov
NATO's surge in defense spending will only damage the alliance and push it toward collapse, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned, calling for greater pragmatism in its approach, as he addressed reporters following the Collective Security Treaty Organization's Council of Foreign Ministers meeting. "He can probably see – since he is such a wise sage – that the disastrous increase in spending of NATO countries will also lead to the collapse of this organization," Lavrov said, responding to Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski's claim that Russia's military build-up would lead to its downfall. "Meanwhile, Russia – as President [Vladimir Putin] said the other day in Minsk after the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting – plans to reduce its military spending and be guided by common sense, rather than imaginary threats, as NATO member states do, including Sikorski," Lavrov pointed out. Following the NATO Summit held in The Hague on June 24-25, the alliance's member states have agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, as outlined in the adopted communique, with plans to allocate at least 3.5% of GDP by 2035 based on NATO's agreed definition of military spending. An allocation of 1.5% of GDP will be dedicated to safeguarding critical infrastructure and networks, enhancing civil preparedness and resilience, fostering innovation, and bolstering the defense industrial base. Eager to claim credit, Trump hailed the agreement by all 32 NATO member states to work toward spending five percent of GDP on defense, calling it "a great victory for everybody." During closed-door discussions, diplomats revealed that Trump stressed the importance of US leadership while pushing allies to direct their expanded defense budgets toward purchasing American-made weaponry. With NATO leaders unanimously praising the agreement as "historic," Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever observed that Europe's "long break from history" had ended, emphasizing the continent's urgent need to assume full responsibility for its defense amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
