NATO deterrence is weakened by trans-Atlantic infighting.

Allies have pledged large increases in defence spending, but disputes between the United States and European partners — including President Trump's threats over Greenland — have eroded trust and, officials and analysts say, weakened NATO's deterrence against Russia.

European allies and Canada have announced major increases in defence spending while continuing support for Ukraine. At the same time, a series of disputes between the United States and its NATO partners — notably U.S. President Donald Trump's threats concerning Greenland and critical remarks about allied troops — have strained relations within the 32‑nation alliance. Analysts and some officials say that this loss of trust has reduced NATO's credibility as a unified deterrent toward Russia. A meeting of U.S. and NATO defence counterparts is scheduled for Feb. 12, and questions remain about the U.S. troop posture in Europe. Key points: - Allies pledged to raise defence-related spending, including aims around 5% of GDP overall and roughly 3.5% on core defence by 2035, plus additional funds for security projects. - U.S.-Europe disputes, highlighted by the Greenland episode and comments about allied forces, have been reported as eroding trust among NATO members. - Analysts and some officials say the erosion of trust has weakened NATO's ability to convince Russia it would act collectively in the face of further aggression; Russian officials have publicly noted the tensions. - U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is due to meet NATO counterparts on Feb. 12, and uncertainties about American troop levels in Europe have added to questions about deterrence. Summary: The reported rift within NATO combines higher allied spending commitments with declining mutual confidence, which officials and analysts say has reduced the alliance's collective deterrence posture toward Russia. The near-term focus is on the Feb. 12 meetings of defence officials and ongoing uncertainty about U.S. troop deployments in Europe.