NATO's Mark Rutte says allies "have to stick to that path" on 2035 defense spending

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told PA that Britain and its allies should raise defense spending annually on the way to a 2035 target of 3.5% of economic output for core military budgets. He spoke Thursday after meeting UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and other political figures, saying he was pleased by their stated support for the goal while noting that next year’s spending review could clarify the exact timetable. The UK has planned to reach only 2.7% by 2027/28, with later steps unspecified, and Burnham faces pressure to explain how the higher level will be achieved. Rutte said the 2035 target cannot be reached at once because NATO countries need time to build up their militaries and defense industries, and he warned about Russian President Vladimir Putin after a series of mixed-mode attacks in Europe.