EU defense commissioner calls for increased spending to counter Putin, not Trump's demands

Summary

Andrius Kubilius, the EU’s nominee for Defense Commissioner, emphasized the need for increased European defense spending in response to Russian threats, rather than demands from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

At his confirmation hearing, Kubilius noted that Europe has boosted defense budgets since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

He stressed that intelligence suggests Russia could test EU or NATO resolve by the end of the decade, making enhanced military readiness essential for deterrence.