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Britain should join forces Europe in a new defense contract because it no longer trusts Donald TrumpAmerica must defend it Russian military attackvoters believe.
This is the grim result of a survey independent to gauge public reaction U.S. foreign policy undergoes dramatic changes Trump’s leadership and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s growing hostility towards Europe, including the UK.
A JL Partners poll showed that a total of 55% of British voters want a new British/European defense alliance (excluding the United States) to protect against Putin’s threats, while only 11% oppose the plan.
The move would mark a historic shift in defense policy and have major diplomatic implications.
The UK and Europe’s defense against the threat of attack currently depends on NATOIt was established in 1949 by European countries and the United States after World War II.
Under Article 5, NATO’s cornerstone, an attack on any member state is considered an attack on all members. In fact, this commitment is backed by the strong military firepower of its largest member, the United States.
However, the U.S. commitment to NATO has been called into question since President Trump’s re-election last year and his stance on the conflicts with Russia and Ukraine.
Mr Trump Calling European countries “weak”He has repeatedly criticized them for not spending enough on defence, and even threatened to ignore his NATO oath not to do so if they were attacked.
Trump has also been accused by some of siding with Russia rather than Europe on his policies. war with ukraine.
He promised to provide Ukraine with NATO-style “Article 5-like” protection from further Russian attacks if there was a ceasefire, but he declined to take further steps, leading some to question its value.
In fact, the only time NATO’s Article 5 was triggered was in defense of the United States after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
In recent weeks, a series of leading European figures have sounded the alarm over the issue.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned his members to start ramping up preparations “for a war on the scale that our grandparents or great-grandparents experienced.”
His comments were echoed by the new head of MI6, Bryce Metwilly, who highlighted the growing threat from Russia, who she said was “testing us in the gray zone with tactics just below the threshold of war”, while Defense Secretary Al Kearns said “the shadow of war is knocking on Europe’s door”.
Their comments reflected concerns that Putin could launch new attacks on Europe, including the Baltic states, after invading Ukraine.
Russia has used fighter jets and drones to violate European airspace and conduct cyber attacks and sabotage.
European countries already cooperate on defense issues through several organizations, including the British-led Joint Expeditionary Force, to guard against Russian threats to Norway and Northern Europe.
In addition, European countries are currently increasing defense spending.
But it will be many years before they have the ability to defend themselves without relying on the United States.
James Johnson of JL Partners said: “The sweeping change in foreign policy views in the White House under Donald Trump appears to be having an impact on British voters.
“Our surveys show that voters no longer believe that the United States will automatically come to the rescue if the UK or any of its European neighbors face a real military threat.
“They believe Europe should control its own military protection to ensure its security.”
JL Partners surveyed 1,562 adults online on Dec. 13 and 14.