Ahead of NATO summit, alliance sets out plan to increase high-alert forces

According to a 2006 pledge by members of the alliance, every NATO country has to dedicate 2% of its GDP to defense. Jim Townsend, former US deputy assistant defense secretary for Europe and NATO under former US President Barack Obama, points out that there have long been divisions between countries with respect to how much each member spends.

"While most NATO countries are reaching the 2% threshold, the United States has always wanted to make sure that the allies are investing their fair share when it comes to defense and that there are no free riders," said Townsend, who is currently an adjunct senior fellow in the CNAS Transatlantic Security Program.

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Townsend also highlighted that one priority at the NATO summit must be to show Putin that the West and the NATO allies are united in their support of Ukraine against the Russian invasion.

"NATO's display of unity will include showing the Kremlin that there is no splintering or divisions, whether with Turkey or Hungary or any other member," he said.

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