(Patriot.Buzz) – Due to Russia’s persistent aggression and potential shifts in U.S. defense commitments, Europe is at a crossroads as European nations are assessing whether to reinstate their own military capabilities to safeguard national security.
After decades of depending on U.S. defense, European nations are scrambling to rebuild their own forces as Trump’s being at the White House signals America’s diminishing role in NATO.
European military analysts warn that the threat from Russia has significantly increased since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian military is now larger and more capable than when it first attacked Ukraine, creating an urgent need for Europe to strengthen its defenses independently.
Military experts estimate Europe may need an additional 300,000 troops to counter the growing threat from the East.
“The Russian military today is larger and better than on Feb. 24, 2022. The Russians have hostile intent against the Baltic states and the EU’s eastern flank,” Alexandr Burilkov, a security expert who has studied Russia’s military development, stated.
The stark reality of Europe’s vulnerability became painfully clear during Donald Trump’s presidency when he questioned America’s commitment to NATO.
With his possible return to office, European leaders are finally acknowledging they have been freeloading off American taxpayers for decades.
Most European NATO members have consistently failed to meet their promised defense spending targets while enjoying the security umbrella provided by U.S. forces and funding.
Several countries bordering Russia have already taken action. Lithuania, Sweden, and Latvia reintroduced conscription in recent years, recognizing the immediate threat to their sovereignty.
Meanwhile, larger Western European nations continue to debate rather than act decisively. Germany’s potential future chancellor supports a compulsory year of military or community service, but implementation remains uncertain.
France is exploring ways to encourage youth participation in military service, though significant logistical challenges exist in a society unaccustomed to sacrifice.
Eastern European countries, with living memory of Soviet occupation, maintain stronger martial traditions and willingness to fight.
Western Europeans, having enjoyed generations of peace secured primarily by American forces, have lost the understanding that freedom sometimes requires armed defense.
The uncomfortable truth for European leaders is that decades of neglecting defense while building expensive welfare states has left them dangerously exposed.
Russia has used this time to modernize its military while Europe dismantled much of its Cold War-era capability.
The continent now faces the consequences of prioritizing social spending over security while taking American protection for granted.
For American taxpayers who have shouldered Europe’s defense burden for decades, the continent’s sudden awakening to reality confirms what conservatives have long argued: NATO partners must contribute their fair share.
Europe reluctantly considered conscription and increased military spending, but they finally admitted that the free ride at America’s expense may end.
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