NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed that the United States has immediately reduced its financial contributions to the alliance's crisis response forces, triggering a scramble among member states to cover the shortfall.
The move comes as the alliance faces mounting pressure to sustain military aid to Ukraine amid an ongoing conflict with Russia.
In response to the sudden funding gap, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Berlin will provide an additional $400 million to support the alliance's efforts.
In response to the sudden funding gap, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Berlin will provide an additional $400 million to support the alliance's efforts.
The German commitment underscores the growing burden on European nations to maintain defense capabilities as Washington scales back its direct financial involvement in NATO's operational budget.
The reduction in US funding adds to existing concerns within the alliance about the long-term sustainability of support for Ukraine.
Rutte has previously warned that several member states are not meeting their financial obligations, leaving the alliance vulnerable to shifts in US foreign policy.