European allies and Canada have committed billions of dollars to support Ukraine and agreed to sharply increase defense spending to strengthen their own security.
However, NATO’s unity and credibility have been seriously strained over the past year due to growing internal tensions, particularly involving the United States.
The rift deepened after U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly suggested seizing Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO member Denmark, and made disparaging remarks about allied troops who fought alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
Analysts say these actions have weakened trust within the 32-member alliance and undermined NATO’s ability to deter Russia.
Although NATO members pledged in July to raise defense spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035, concerns remain that political divisions especially doubts about U.S. commitment to collective defense under Article 5 — have emboldened adversaries.
Russia has openly commented on NATO’s internal disputes, while European officials warn that Moscow remains a long-term security threat.
Reports of cyberattacks, sabotage, and military intimidation across Europe have added to these concerns. Uncertainty over a possible reduction of U.S. troops in Europe has further shaken confidence in NATO’s deterrence posture.
As NATO defense ministers prepare to meet later this month, analysts warn that without restored unity and clarity of purpose, the alliance’s ability to respond to future threats could be significantly weakened.