**US May No Longer Defend Europe**
Concerns are growing that the US may not defend European countries, including the UK. This could force European nations to increase their military spending.
**Aid to Ukraine**
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Western nations have given over $250 billion to Ukraine. The US has been the biggest contributor, with $69 billion in military aid alone. Germany and the UK have also contributed significantly.
**Military Spending**
European Nato members agreed last year to spend 2% of their GDP on defence. However, the UK spent only 2.33%, ranking it ninth out of all Nato members. The Labour government has promised to increase this amount to 2.5%.
**Weapons Supplied to Ukraine**
Western countries have supplied various weapons to Ukraine, including:
* Missiles and artillery: The US has provided ATACMS missiles with a range of about 190 miles.
* Fighter jets: Nato countries have pledged to give Ukraine F-16 fighter jets from the West.
* Air defence systems: The UK, US, and Norway have supplied air defence systems like Starstreak and Nasams.
* Munitions: The US has supplied cluster bombs to help dislodge Russian troops.
* Tanks: Western nations have sent over 200 German-made Leopard tanks and 31 M1 Abrams tanks from the US.
* Anti-tank weapons: The US and UK have supplied thousands of Javelin and Nlaw anti-tank missiles.
* Drones: Turkey, the US, and several other countries have supplied drones for surveillance, targeting, and as “kamikaze” weapons.
