NATO chief calls for Euro troops for Ukraine: Is there a threat of a new arms race?

NATO chief calls for Euro troops for Ukraine: Is there a threat of a new arms race?

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently visited NATO headquarters in Brussels to discuss strategic steps to support Ukraine. Hegseth made it clear that the US will not send troops to Ukraine, but rather wants to support a sovereign Ukraine with security guarantees, especially through the presence of European troops after the war. He noted that President Donald Trump is seeking diplomatic ways to end the conflict with Russia and has called on European allies to become more involved in defense by increasing their military spending to five percent of gross domestic product, as Small newspaper reported.

Hegseth stressed that NATO must act as a “stronger, deadlier force” and not just a diplomatic club. During his visit, he discussed with other NATO Defense Ministers, including Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, the challenges facing Ukraine, particularly regarding security and defense budget. Since Russia's invasion began nearly three years ago, about 50 countries have collectively provided more than $126 billion in weapons systems and military support to Ukraine. The US has allocated almost $183 billion of that to military and humanitarian aid, indicating significant support, such as WSET reported.

A focus on European defense

Hegseth, who also stressed that there are no plans to withdraw the 100,000 U.S. troops from Europe, will recommend that European nations increase their military presence and spending. Despite the worrying situation after the Russian attack, it is important that Europe pays more attention to its own defense. The conflict in Ukraine remains the largest and deadliest in Europe since World War II, with over 40,000 civilian casualties, underscoring the urgency of NATO strategies and collective protection.