John Bingham wrote: ↑Sun Feb 11, 2024 7:47 pm

Alex wrote: ↑Sun Feb 11, 2024 6:07 pm Well the thing is that he does have a point. Since the end of the cold war in the early 1990s, many European countries have subjected their militaries to an endless series of budget cuts. That wouldn't have worked without relying on Uncle Sam coming to their rescue, unconditionally and in a heartbeat - which has been a pretty selfish position.

So when since the Cold War has Uncle Sam come to the rescue? Do the former Easter Bloc territories of Yugoslavia count? The only time Article 5 was evoked was after 9-11, which meant other NATO countries helping the US in their "War on terror".

The European NATO countries have already bumped up their defence budgets. I gave a source above. There is no "bill to pay". The 2% requirements only come into force this year.
The problem with Trump encouraging Russia to attack is that not only does he not understand NATO funding, he doesn't understand the basic nature of a defence agreement. If Russia attacks any NATO country the US is obligated to attack Russia -just like the other countries did when they helped the US in Afghanistan and Iraq.

newkidontheblock wrote: ↑Mon Feb 12, 2024 7:12 pm Russia does an excellent job of keeping up the pressure.

Ukrainian military spending is up 500, over 20% GDP. Finland and other countries on the border with Russia in the double digits.

Trump’s rhetoric only helps.