Overview
- The National Security Strategy prioritizes the Western Hemisphere and economic security, rejects a perpetually expanding NATO, and urges Europeans to assume primary responsibility for their defense.
- An unpublished draft reviewed by Defense One outlines plans to "cultivate resistance" inside EU states, work more closely with nationalist-led governments, and create a new "Core 5" forum of the U.S., China, Russia, India, and Japan.
- EU defense chief Andrius Kubilius accuses Washington of seeking to dismantle EU unity and meddle in European politics, as leaders convene in London and Brussels to coordinate support for Ukraine.
- The strategy softens public language on Russia and emphasizes restoring "strategic stability," drawing praise from Kremlin figures who say it aligns with Moscow’s outlook.
- A sweeping NDAA advanced in Congress seeks to lock in U.S. troop levels in Europe and task intelligence agencies with tracking Russia–China military cooperation, creating a counterweight to the White House strategy.