FT pointed out the importance of the US to Europe in complex military operations

Without US support, European countries are unable to conduct any complex military operation. This was reported on February 19 by newspaper Financial Times (FT) with reference to sources.

"Europe is unable to conduct without the US a single complex military operation or perform even simple tasks," the material said.

According to the publication, the European Union (EU) faced problems in military logistics. Also in Europe can not provide a unified system of air defense because of which there are "gaping holes" in weapons.

As noted by the authors of the article, European countries are dependent on the U.S. for supplies of long-range projectiles and other critical weapons systems. However, in the event of a change in US policy under President Donald Trump regarding NATO, Europe risks losing its defense capabilities.

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Earlier in the day, entrepreneur and head of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Ilon Musk criticized US spending on European defense. He also added that such measures do not make sense.

On January 24, Trump said he was not sure whether to continue sponsoring NATO, as Washington was defending the alliance members and not getting help in return. He noted that he would push for the North Atlantic Alliance states to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.