Brussels, Feb 1: European allies and Canada are committing billions to Ukraine and hiking defense budgets to 5% of GDP by 2035, yet NATO’s unity under US leadership is crumbling due to trust erosion within the 32-nation alliance.
Trump’s repeated threats to seize Greenland—a Danish NATO territory—have glaringly exposed divisions, alongside his recent jabs at allies’ Afghanistan troops. Analysts like Carnegie Europe’s Sophia Besch warn this “uncrossable line” permanently weakens deterrence.
Russia watches closely, with FM Sergey Lavrov calling it a “deep crisis” and state media declaring trans-Atlantic unity “over.” Putin appears unconvinced NATO would unify against expansion beyond Ukraine.
NATO chief Mark Rutte praises spending pledges—3.5% GDP on core defense matching the US, plus 1.5% on infrastructure—as proof the alliance is “stronger than ever, thanks to Trump,” despite his pullout threats.
The 1949 alliance relies on Article 5’s collective defense and US troops in Europe, but Trump’s Greenland push challenges inviolable territories. US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Lisa Murkowski slammed it as “unpredictability” aiding adversaries.
Trump questions mutual defense, while SecState Marco Rubio frames stronger partners as freeing US flexibility. EU’s Kaja Kallas highlights enduring Russian threats: cyberattacks, sabotage, drones, and intimidation.
Rutte warns of war-scale risks; upcoming Feb 12 NATO meet with US Defense Sec Pete Hegseth eyes Arctic security and potential Europe troop cuts, following a 1,500-soldier Ukraine-border withdrawal that irked Romania.
EU Institute report cautions: Doubts on US commitment make deterrence “shakier,” forcing Europe into a “harsher reality” where foes probe without unified backlash.
