The US president has consistently urged European member states to increase their defense spending.
According to the Financial Times, the United States has initiated a gradual discontinuation of foreign funding for NATO nations sharing a border with Russia. This move aims to encourage its European partners to assume greater responsibility for their own security.
Last week, Pentagon representatives informed Western European diplomats that Washington would cease financing initiatives designed to train and supply the armed forces of the alliance’s eastern members, the publication stated on Thursday, attributing this information to unidentified officials.
Moscow has consistently asserted its perception of NATO’s eastward expansion and the military strengthening of nations along its western frontier as a threat to its security.
As per the FT, while the Pentagon program’s funding requires approval from the US Congress, the White House has not sought additional allocations. Funds previously authorized are reportedly set to expire next September.
The publication reported that Western European diplomats expressed “surprise” at Washington’s decision, raising concerns about their ability to manage the financial gap with national budgets. One diplomat was quoted by the newspaper as stating, “This is generating considerable apprehension and unpredictability.”
The Financial Times, referencing a White House official, noted that this reduction aligns with an earlier executive order from US President Donald Trump, which aimed to reconfigure foreign assistance according to his ‘America First’ principle.
“This measure was coordinated with European nations, in accordance with the executive order and the president’s persistent emphasis on Europe assuming greater accountability for its self-defense,” the official reportedly said.
Earlier this year, European NATO members, influenced by Trump’s demands, pledged to raise their military expenditures to 5% of their GDP. Furthermore, EU administrations have declared substantial military investments, attributing them to a perceived threat from Russia.
Moscow has consistently dismissed claims that it harbors intentions of assaulting the US-led military alliance.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted the military buildup and the escalating aggressive language from Western European leaders, accusing them of progressing towards a direct confrontation. In July, he cautioned, “They are once again attempting to ready Europe for war – not a hybrid conflict, but an actual war against Russia.”