NATO, without U. S., far outspends Russia for military, so why does the US give anything for "defending against Russia"?

[strateguy632]

Russia spent , a record highest, $186 billion on "defense' in 2025, a stupid name as it fights offense in ukraine.

But NATO without U. S. spent in picture;

98+64+35+82=280 billion just the major 4 so why is U. S spending any to "defend against russia" ?

Similarly, once the 20 weak ones pay their percentage, maybe 40 billion together, the stronger ones should only need to match Russia, share contributions of the remaining 146 B? so why are they overspending?

[Zack-Bann]

So it’s a 40 60 split between Russia and NATO (without the US)
Hardly a slam dunk


Wars aren’t automatically resolved with a military budget
If things pop off in Europe there will be many elements at play


And if history has taught us anything it’s that nothing ever happens in a vacuum.


So while the US is an ocean away it can still be surrounded by enemies if it’s not surrounded by allies


And the pacific side is already unfriendly


If the Atlantic side turns hostile as well, war will be inevitable


So it’s best to nip it in the bud and back NATO now to avoid future problems

[strateguy632]

Closer to 67-33 not 60 -40. Also Considered NATO is for real defense, not to invade, that is a "slam dunk". Also with Russia spending going to ukraine NATO can defend with even less. For example $1 000 000 for 2 heat seek missiles can chase and destroy 2 migs that cost 5 million each.

[strateguy632]

Also 'unfriended ' is wide enough to included Europe! with its tarriffs on our exports into France etc.

[Zack-Bann]

There’s a huge difference between ford trucks costing more in France and people dying with no help coming from an ally.

and as far as war strategy goes Russia has a clear advantage

Because NATO is a coalition not a single military force

Meaning even if they have a bigger military they will each be more concerned with their respective borders to be effective

It will be like Germany in the 39 all over again.
Picking away at the weak links fast and moving closer than they expect

Not to mention the recent war with Iran has proven that nuclear deterrence is no longer bulletproof
Fighter jets can take out nuclear silos too fast for a reaction and suddenly it’s back to the old ways of warfare

So there is a real risk of all out war that can only be stopped early

Unless you prefer throwing an entire generation into the shredder to save a few bucks in military budget that will be embezzled by one person or another anyway

[Dargil]

It is time for us to withdraw all of our forces out of the NATO countries, get out of NATO and get out of the UN.

[strateguy632]

I agree except we need authority to veto in u. N.

[exitseven]

Are these figures the money actually spent of is it the money that they are supposed to spend?

[strateguy632]

Finally they are actually spending 2%. No other president bothered to "get those unruly brats in line" but trump achieved this- too!