US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who arrived in Poland on a visit today, said that countries in Europe must invest in their armies now because it is impossible to assume that the US presence on the continent will be forever, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
He noted that Warsaw, which plans to spend 4.7 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defense this year, is a model ally because of its commitment to investing heavily in the sector. Hegseth also voiced Washington's demands that European NATO allies shoulder a greater financial burden for their own security.
"What happens in five, ten or fifteen years is part of a broader discussion that reflects the level of threat, America's position, our needs in the world, but most of all the ability of European countries to step up," he said at a press conference. "And that's why our message is so categorical to our European allies. "Now is the time to invest because it is impossible to assume that the US presence on the continent will be permanent," he added.
Repeating words he made at a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, in which he warned Europe not to treat Washington as a "naive" who was ultimately responsible for European defense, he said Washington faced many threats, including one coming from China.
On his first foreign visit since taking over as Pentagon chief on Jan. 24, Hegseth sparked outrage in Europe after saying that returning Ukraine to its pre-2014 borders would be a "successful step." is unrealistic and that the administration of US President Donald Trump does not see Kiev's membership in NATO as part of the solution to the conflict triggered by Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Reuters notes.
Critics of Hegseth say the remarks mean the US is giving up its stronger position in negotiations with Russia before they have even begun, calling them a major victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Hegseth defended his words as an acknowledgement of battlefield realities and left the door open for Washington to take steps during the talks that could be seen as concessions, including on issues such as US military aid to Ukraine and troop levels in Europe.