The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) reveals a surge in global military expenditure amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to a report released Tuesday, Russia, allocating approximately one-third of its budget to defense, is rapidly depleting its arsenal and manpower.
Russia can sustain its current engagement in Ukraine for "two to three more years," but at the cost of compromising "quality for quantity," stated Bastian Giegerich, Director General of the IISS, Politico reported.
The IISS' Military Balance report indicates a notable uptick in worldwide defense spending, with Russia's adversaries accounting for most of this increase. Global military expenditure surged by 9% in 2023, surpassing $2.2 trillion, with NATO nations, particularly the United States, leading the charge.
European countries have intensified their military spending to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities amid the conflict. However, challenges in scaling up production to meet the demands of the war have exposed vulnerabilities in European military readiness.
While efforts to bolster military production in the West face hurdles, Russia's continued aggression against Ukraine has spurred more European NATO members to meet the alliance's defense spending target of 2% of GDP. Ten European NATO allies achieved this goal the previous year, a significant increase from just two in 2014.
Despite the influx of aid, Ukraine remains in a precarious situation, relying on crucial support from its allies.
The U.S. Senate recently approved a $95.3 billion aid package, championed by President Joe Biden, to assist Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. However, the bill's fate in the Republican-controlled House remains uncertain, with potential U.S. southern border-related revisions proposed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to secure its passage, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The Senate's passage of the aid package reflects a commitment to a robust U.S. role in foreign affairs, albeit facing opposition from "America First" factions within Congress.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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