A record number of NATO countries spent 2% of GDP on defense.

The unprovoked war unleashed by russia in Ukraine and the threat of the conflict spreading to other European countries have forced NATO members to rapidly increase defense spending. According to the latest data from the alliance, a record number of countries have reached the goal of 2% of GDP - 23.

Combined spending by European countries and Canada increased by 17.9% this year. "This is the largest increase in decades," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed. In 2023, the growth was 9.3%, and in the period from 2015 to 2022 it ranged from 1.6% to 5.9%.

Among the countries that brought defense spending to 2% of GDP for the first time are Germany, the Netherlands, and Turkey. Also, for the first time, the average spending of alliance members (excluding the US) reached this level. This goal was set by NATO countries after Putin sent troops into Ukrainian territory in 2014, annexing Crimea and initiating a separatist movement in the Donbass. Prior to that, NATO's total defense spending was declining (again except US).

Among the leaders in defense spending are countries bordering ruZZia and BelaruZ, which are most likely to be attacked or become victims of provocations. The NATO top 10 in terms of %GDP:

Poland — 4.12%,
Estonia — 3.43%,
USA — 3.38%,
Latvia — 3.15%
Greece — 3.08%.
Lithuania — 2.85%
Finland — 2.41%
Denmark— 2.37%
United Kingdom — 2.33%
Romania — 2.25%

In light of ruZZia's growing aggressiveness, Polish President Andrzej Duda, during a visit to Washington in March, suggested that all countries of the alliance increase spending of defense to 3% of GDP.

Putinistan has reportedly dedicated in 2024 about 6% of GDP for spending on military.

Result of the maZter Ztrategist "demilitariZing"...

@freerussia_report