Defense spending by NATO essential to counteract Russia’s challenges - Pentagon - TASS

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has stated at a videoconference of the NATO Defense Ministerial that members of the alliance need to maintain spending on defense to address challenges on the part of Russia, the Pentagon’s press service reported on Wednesday.

"He cited the multiple threats and challenges facing the Alliance including: Destabilizing behavior by Russia, a rising China, terrorism, and global challenges such as COVID-19 and climate change," the statement said. "Secretary Austin noted that defense spending is essential to ensuring we have the ready forces and capabilities needed to address Russia and other challenges to NATO," the press service reported.

Additionally, according to the press service, the secretary of defense "reaffirmed the President’s message that the United States intends to revitalize our relationship with the NATO Alliance."