Russia is trying to test NATO and members of the transatlantic alliance must bolster military spending in the face of Moscow´s challenge, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said yesterday.
The 28 members of NATO have responded to Russia´s intervention in Ukraine with “resolve,” Hagel said, “but over the long term, we should expect Russia to test our alliance´s purpose, stamina and commitment.”
Russia´s annexation of Crimea and its backing of separatists in eastern Ukraine “has reminded NATO of its founding purpose,” he said.
NATO was founded an an anti-soviet alliance shortly after the the second world war.
