Russia-Ukraine War Latest News: US President Donald Trump has said that while most NATO members have agreed to significantly increase their defence spending, a few countries are yet to commit to the alliance’s new target of spending 5% of GDP on defence. Speaking about the outcome of the recent NATO summit, Trump expressed confidence that the remaining members would eventually support the higher spending goal.
The remarks come as NATO continues to strengthen its collective defence posture amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and heightened security concerns across Europe.
Russia-Ukraine War Latest News: Trump Says Most NATO Members Back 5% GDP Defence Target
Speaking after discussions on NATO’s defence commitments, Trump described the previous summit in the Netherlands as “unprecedented”, highlighting the agreement among most member nations to raise annual defence spending from the long-standing 2% of GDP target to 5%.
According to Trump, only a small number of countries have yet to endorse the new benchmark.
“Most of the countries have agreed to it. We have a couple that didn’t, but I have a feeling they’re going to, and pretty quickly,” Trump said.
Russia-Ukraine War Latest News: NATO Defence Spending Remains a Key Focus
Trump said discussions were held in Ankara regarding the progress of NATO members toward meeting the alliance’s proposed 5% defence spending goal.
He reiterated that wealthier member states should contribute more to their own security, arguing that stronger financial commitments are necessary to enhance NATO’s military readiness.
“Many of these countries are very rich, by the way. We don’t have to feel sorry for them, but it doesn’t mean they’re properly protected,” Trump said.
Russia-Ukraine War Latest News: Why the Spending Target Matters
The push to increase defence spending comes as NATO seeks to bolster its capabilities in response to the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict and evolving security challenges in Europe.
Higher defence budgets are expected to help member countries invest in military equipment, modernize armed forces, strengthen deterrence, and improve the alliance’s collective preparedness.
While many NATO members have supported increased defence investment in recent years, the proposed 5% of GDP target represents a substantial increase over the alliance’s previous benchmark.
Russia-Ukraine War Keeps Security Concerns High
The ongoing war in Ukraine has prompted NATO countries to reassess defence priorities, with many governments increasing military budgets and expanding cooperation within the alliance.
Officials say maintaining strong collective defence remains a priority as the conflict continues to influence Europe’s security environment.
Russia-Ukraine War Latest Update
Trump said that most NATO members have agreed to move toward spending 5% of GDP on defence, while acknowledging that a small number of countries have yet to commit. He expressed confidence that additional members would eventually support the target, emphasizing that financially strong nations should play a greater role in funding the alliance’s security efforts.
