Russia Strike Exposes Ukraine Air Defense Gap as NATO Summit Begins
Speakers
Rose Gottemoeller
— former deputy secretary-general of NATO and former U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security
Summary
Former NATO Deputy Secretary-General Rose Gottemoeller discusses the NATO summit's context with Russia's war in Ukraine, the critical shortage of Patriot air defense interceptors leaving Ukraine vulnerable, and the possibility of European allies finally increasing defense spending. She also addresses U.S. public support for NATO declining under Trump's criticism and outlines scenarios for Russia's post-Putin leadership.
- NATO summit overshadowed by Ukraine's acute air defense gaps after Russian missile strikes.
- Ukraine's need for Patriot interceptors remains unmet as U.S. and allies hold back supply.
- Ukraine has been highly effective with drone defense and sea drones, drawing international interest.
- Rose Gottemoeller says European NATO members are beginning to shoulder more defense responsibility after decades of under-spending.
- U.S. public approval of NATO has fallen from above 70% to the 50s, partly due to Trump's criticism.
- Post-Putin Russia could see a continuation of security-service rule or a shift to more technocratic leadership.
