**Nato Leaders Urged to Increase Military Spending**
The head of Nato, Mark Rutte, has called on member countries to think like they are at war and increase their military spending. This is a step up from the current target of 2% of national income spent on defense.
Rutte’s comments echo previous demands made by US President Donald Trump that Nato countries should spend at least 4% of their national income on defense. Currently, only three countries meet this target.
**Nato Exercise to Start in Eastern Europe**
A major Nato exercise will start in mid-January in Eastern Europe. The exercise is aimed at deterring further Russian expansion in the region.
**History of Nato**
Nato was formed in 1949 by 12 countries, including the US, UK, and France. Its primary purpose was to block Soviet expansion in Europe. Today, Nato has 32 members across Europe and North America.
**Russia’s Opposition to Ukraine Membership**
Ukraine has asked to join Nato, but Russia has consistently opposed this idea. Russia fears that Ukrainian membership would bring Nato forces too close to its borders.
**Increased Defense Spending**
In July 2024, the UK increased its defense spending to 2.5% of GDP. Some countries, such as Poland and the Baltic states, spend a higher share of their national income on defense.
**Nato’s Response to Russia-Ukraine Conflict**
Nato has not sent troops to Ukraine or enforced a no-fly zone over the country for fear of being pulled into a direct conflict with Russia. However, individual member states have supplied arms and equipment to Ukraine.
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