NATO Secretary-General has urged Western allies to increase support for Ukraine in order to shift the course of the conflict with Russia. Emphasizing the need for more than just sustaining Ukraine's efforts, he stressed the importance of escalating the costs for Putin and his allies through providing necessary assistance to alter the conflict's direction.
While specific details regarding the required military equipment and weapons were not disclosed, the Secretary-General expressed deep concern over Russia's growing alignment with countries like China, Iran, and North Korea.
Recent reports indicate that North Korea has dispatched thousands of troops to Russia to aid in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, further complicating the situation. The collaboration between Russia, North Korea, Iran, and China poses a significant threat not only to Europe but also to regions like the Indo-Pacific and North America, necessitating a unified response.
French President Macron echoed the call for a 'strong Europe' as essential for NATO and as a response to the expectations set by the U.S. administration. Referring to previous demands made by the Trump administration, Macron highlighted the need for European NATO members to increase defense spending to at least 2% of GDP and reduce reliance on U.S. military support.
Macron criticized Europe's historical tendency to evade its security responsibilities, noting the imperative for Europe to take charge of its own security and not rely indefinitely on external protection for peace dividends.
