Record number of NATO allies hit military spending targets

President Biden and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced on Monday that a record number of allies were meeting their military spending pledges as the two leaders sought to present a strong and unwavering response to Russia's war in Ukraine.

Mr Biden and Mr Stoltenberg meet next month ahead of the annual NATO summit in Washington, where member states are expected to discuss long-term security, funding and additional measures for Ukraine to secure eventual membership. Mr Stoltenberg announced on Monday that NATO was already ready to play a greater role in Ukraine's security.

“I hope that when we meet next month, we will agree on NATO's role in providing security assistance and training,” Mr Stoltenberg said. “It will reduce the burden on the United States and strengthen our support for Ukraine.”

This is possible in part because a number of allies have met informal commitments to spend at least 2 percent of their gross domestic product on their militaries. When NATO allies pledged in 2014, only three members — including the United States — met that mark, Mr. Stoltenberg said. About five years ago, roughly 10 did, he said, and this year more than 20 of the alliance's 32 members will.

Mr Stoltenberg also said the allies had increased military spending by 18 per cent this year – the biggest jump in decades.

The assurances from the two leaders came after renewed questions about the alliance and Ukraine's commitment. Russia has recently moved to the front lines after a temporary delay in military aid to Ukraine due to congressional gridlock. And Mr. Biden's main challenger in the November election, former President Donald J. Trump has expressed skepticism over aid to Ukraine and the value of NATO.

But Mr. Biden made it clear in remarks before the meeting that he sees NATO as essential. “Together, we have prevented further Russian aggression in Europe,” he said.

Next month's summit is expected to build on efforts secured by Western allies at last week's Group of 7 summit in Italy, including the approval of a $50 billion loan to Ukraine that unlocks frozen Russian assets and a new, 10-year security. Mr. Biden and President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the agreement that will train and equip Ukraine's forces.

Increased spending by NATO allies could blunt a line of attack from Mr. Trump, who has long criticized other members of the alliance for not paying their fair share. But his potential return to the White House has other NATO members worried about the future of the alliance.

Mr Trump threatened to pull the US out of the alliance unless European countries increased their spending and said in February he would encourage Russia to “do whatever they want” if NATO members fail to pay. this month, More than 40 House Republicans Many members voted to defund the organization, complaining that it was not meeting the 2 percent pledge.

inside An address to a Washington think tank Ahead of Monday's meeting with Mr. Biden, Mr. Stoltenberg appeared to acknowledge the difficulty Mr. Trump's allies in Congress had created over $60 billion in aid for Ukraine, which was finally approved in April. He said “serious delays and gaps in support delivery” had had “consequences on the frontline” this winter and spring.

“We cannot let this happen again,” Mr. Stoltenberg said. “That's why, at the summit, I hope allied leaders will agree for NATO to lead the coordination and provision of security assistance and training for Ukraine. That's why I propose a long-term financial commitment with new funding every year.”

“The more credible our long-term support, the sooner Moscow will realize that it cannot wait for us and the sooner this war will end,” Mr. Stoltenberg said.