US needs Europe for its security too, says Nato chief The alliance has bolstered its forces across eastern Europe and grown to 32 members after Finland and Sweden joined its ranks

 NATO's chief, Jens Stoltenberg, has issued a rallying cry for unity between the United States and Europe as the Western military alliance commemorates its 75th anniversary under the shadows of a belligerent Russia and the looming specter of Donald Trump's potential return to power.

 

The Kremlin's bold incursion into Ukraine in 2022 served as a wake-up call for NATO, presenting one of its gravest challenges since its inception post-World War II to counter the Soviet threat.

 

In response, NATO has fortified its presence in Eastern Europe and expanded its membership to 32 countries with the inclusion of Finland and Sweden. However, while the conflict with Russia has refocused NATO's attention to the East, there's another concern gripping allies in the West – the prospect of Trump's return to the White House.

 

Stoltenberg emphasized the necessity of transatlantic cooperation, stating, "I do not believe in America alone, just as I don’t believe in Europe alone. I believe in America and Europe together in NATO because, fundamentally, we are stronger and safer together."

 

To preempt potential criticisms from Trump, NATO has underscored the increased defense spending by its European members, with 20 countries expected to meet the target of allocating 2 percent of GDP to defense this year.

 

"North America also needs Europe," Stoltenberg reiterated, emphasizing the significance of NATO as a platform where the United States enjoys unparalleled support and camaraderie.



 

While concerns linger about Trump's stance on NATO, the immediate challenge for NATO nations remains ensuring Ukraine's resilience against Russian aggression.

 

NATO members have thrown their support behind Kyiv, with substantial arms shipments worth billions of dollars, but critical US assistance remains hampered by political hurdles.

 

As Ukraine grapples with relentless Russian assaults, it appeals to its Western allies for urgent military aid, particularly Patriot defense systems, to bolster its defenses against escalating missile attacks on its infrastructure.

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