European Arms Stockpiles Depleted by Aid to Ukraine, NATO Faces Challenges in Military Rebuilding

Rubio: European Arms Stockpiles Depleted by Aid to Ukraine, NATO Needs to Rebuild Military Capabilities

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio said in an op-ed article published on the "USA Today" website on July 9 that European countries' weapon inventories have been exhausted due to support for Ukraine and that NATO needs to significantly restore its defensive potential.

Rubio said, "To help Ukraine resist Russia's aggression, Europe has exhausted its already insufficient weapons reserves. This ended the decades-long neglect of defense spending by NATO countries."

Rubio said that NATO needs to fill key capabilities. He said, "NATO needs to rebuild long-neglected operational capabilities - including strategic transportation, air defense systems, artillery, and command and control systems."

Rubio said that although NATO has reached a consensus to increase military spending to 5% of GDP, the United States remains the only country with the industrial capacity to fully meet Europe's defense needs.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837194220451850/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.