UK urged to reassess defense strategy after US policy shift on Ukraine

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that European nations should spend 5% of their GDP on defense and take responsibility for peacekeeping in Ukraine. This marks a shift in US policy, emphasizing European self-reliance. The UK currently spends 2.3% of its GDP on defense, with Labour pledging to increase it to 2.5%. The last time UK defense spending exceeded 5% was during the Cold War in the 1980s. UK Prime Minister and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer are considering contributing troops to a European peacekeeping force. Discussions among European leaders are ongoing following recent US-Russia peace talks.