European concern over Russia not reflected in defense spending

Russia’s intervention in Ukraine may have been a “game changer” for NATO, but the concern voiced in capitals across Europe has not been reflected in defense spending, which in many cases is decreasing, according to an analysis released Thursday.

While some countries, notably those who feel most directly threatened by Russia — the Baltic nations, Poland and Romania — have been gradually increasing spending, major member states such as Germany and the United Kingdom are continuing to cut spending, raising questions about the state of alliance readiness, the London-based European Leadership Network stated in an analysis of alliance spending plans.

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