Trump's call to raise NATO defense spending to 5% aligns with current needs — military expert Zgurets

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

The EU Commissioner for Defense, Andrius Kubilius, stated that Europe will increase the production of artillery shells to 2 million next year.  

"It is unclear if all these shells will be supplied to Ukraine, but this is good news. This year, Europe promised to deliver 1 million shells, although not all will be delivered on time. European defense companies are ramping up production, but Kubilius also noted another critical issue: bureaucracy in weapons production in Europe remains a significant limiting factor," noted Zgurets.  

This sentiment is echoed by both European defense enterprises and Ukrainian companies collaborating with European partners. They cannot ensure the same speed of decision-making as, for example, North Korea or Russia.  

"Europe is now seeking long-term contracts for arms production. This process is gradually gaining momentum, and I hope it will reach a level where 2 million munitions can be produced next year, along with increasing production of other types of weapons. So far, this process, even after three years of conflict with Russia, has not scaled to meet the needs of the Ukrainian and European armies. European countries will begin saving by replenishing the weapons provided to Ukraine and increasing their own reserves. I think Trump’s demand for NATO countries to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP aligns with current needs," Zgurets concluded.  

• Trump recently stated his intention to continue providing military aid to Ukraine. At the same time, he will demand that NATO more than double its current defense spending target from 2% of GDP—currently met by only 23 of the 32 member states—to 5%.