Mike Pence's group claims US could be forced into a Russian war if NATO allies continue in complacency. (US Marines, US Air Force)
"This trend is especially alarming to observe in countries bordering Russia and Ukraine," the memo said, adding that "the countries closest to the conflict ought to be carrying the lion’s share of the burden."
The 2% obligation refers to the commitment made by NATO allies to allocate at least 2% of their GDP to defense spending.
While all NATO countries in the region raised defense spending after Crimea's annexation, Norway and Romania reduced military expenditures during the Biden administration, despite increased Russian activity as it launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. AAF concluded the U.S. "must find ways to encourage and, if necessary, pressure its allies" to uphold its end of NATO's burden-sharing commitment.
"Unless these trends are reversed, our deterrence strategy will fail, Russia will likely invade a NATO ally, and the U.S. will be required to send troops overseas to honor our Article 5 mutual defense pledge," the memo reads.
KEY NATO ALLY SHOCKS WITH ITS 'SINGLE LARGEST' PLEDGE TO UKRAINE: 'THEY NEED OUR SUPPORT'
U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visit Saint Michael’s cathedral, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 20, 2023. (REUTERS/Gleb Garanich)
On Monday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that vital U.S. weapons were starting to arrive in Ukraine in small amounts, but that it needed to move faster. NATO boss Jens Stoltenberg also told Ukrainians on Monday that his alliance’s members had failed to live up to their promises of military aid in recent months, but said the flow of arms and ammunition would now increase.
Last week, U.S. Congress also passed a months-long debated $60 billion aid package for Ukraine's continued war endeavors against Russia. The controversial aid was tacked onto a $95 billion foreign aid package that President Joe Biden signed shortly after.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Jamie Joseph is a writer who covers politics. She leads Fox News Digital coverage of the Senate.
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