US Senator Josh Hawley has spoken out against Sweden and Finland joining NATO ahead of a vote on the issue in the US Congress. “I intend to vote against it,” the politician said in an article published on National Interest’s website. Hawley points to the serious danger that hangs over the States in the East – he believes Washington should pay less attention to European affairs.
“US resources are not limitless.”
The senator from Missouri points out that Finland and Sweden want to join the North Atlantic Alliance to “prevent Russian aggression in Europe”. Both countries have advanced economies and capable armed forces, but their defence spending is already raising questions.
“In the event of a future conflict in Europe, US forces would almost certainly be called upon to defend both countries,” explains Hawley.
He adds that even without conflict, NATO expansion would almost certainly mean more US troops in the Old World. More military equipment would have to be shipped to Europe to the detriment of its own needs.
“US resources are not limitless. We already spend around a trillion dollars a year on defence,” the member of the Senate pointed to the figures.