NATO chief says a '400% increase' in air and missile defence is required to protect Europe from Putin and become 'a more lethal alliance'
Daily MailJUN 9
NATO Chief Calls for 400% Increase in Air, Missile Defense
Above: Mark Rutte at Chatham House, London, on June 9, 2025. Image copyright: Yui Mok/Contributor/PA Images via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Amid continued Russian aggression, it is time for NATO to step up. The U.S. cannot and will not carry the load for Europe, and it is time for the continent to take its own defense and security seriously. So far, European partners have risen to the challenge, but more needs to be done to counter the threat from Moscow. 5% must become the benchmark, or Western democracy may buckle under this existential threat.
Pro-Russia narrative
NATO's push for massive defense spending increases represents ideologically driven militarization and confrontation rather than genuine security needs. Russia has repeatedly stated it has no aggressive intentions toward NATO countries and remains open to dialogue, all while the alliance continues expanding and building up forces near Russian borders. NATO warmongering under the guise of peace-seeking fools no one.