European arsenals are alarmingly inadequate for prolonged defense against potential Russian aggression, with military officials warning that they could deplete within days. Despite a $2.5 billion investment by Poland to enhance its defensive infrastructure along the eastern flank, including 800 kilometers of barriers and anti-tank ditches, Europe remains vulnerable without U.S. support in logistics, intelligence, and strategic command. NATO countries have seen a nearly 50% reduction in active troop levels over the past three decades, now facing a shortfall of approximately 100,000 personnel necessary for modern warfare. The urgency for rearmament is underscored by the EU’s commitment to allocate an additional €650 billion for defense, yet the transition to a self-sufficient military structure is projected to take over five years. This significant lag, combined with logistical constraints, raises critical concerns about Europe’s ability to respond effectively to an immediate threat, underscoring both the geopolitical instability in the region and the essential nature of transatlantic cooperation for security.
