Crenshaw Demands European Allies Increase Defense Spending or "Shut Up" Regarding Ukraine Negotiations
Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) has issued a stark ultimatum to European nations regarding their involvement in negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. In a forceful statement, Crenshaw asserted that European countries have not earned a seat at the negotiating table and will not unless they significantly increase their defense spending and demonstrate a willingness to actively deter Russia.
Speaking on Politico’s "Power Play" podcast, Crenshaw minced no words, declaring that unless European nations are prepared to deploy substantial military forces to bolster NATO’s presence on the Polish border, they should "shut up" and allow the Trump administration to lead efforts to resolve the conflict.
Crenshaw’s comments come amidst ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to broker a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Recent diplomatic activity includes meetings between Trump administration officials and Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia, as well as discussions between U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg and Ukrainian officials in Kyiv.
While several NATO members have voiced their desire to participate in these negotiations, Crenshaw dismissed their claims, arguing that Europe lacks the leverage necessary to influence the outcome. He specifically criticized comments made by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who stated that Europe "must" be present for negotiations, especially if it is "supposed to play a central or the main role in the peace order."
"You know how many people are scared of the European Union?" Crenshaw questioned rhetorically. "None. Be scary, be threatening, actually show that you can have some leverage, and then maybe you can have a seat at the table."
Crenshaw’s remarks align with a broader push from Trump administration officials for European NATO members to increase their defense spending. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment during a visit to Brussels, urging European allies to "do far more for Europe’s defense."
The United States currently shoulders a disproportionate share of NATO’s financial burden. In 2023, the U.S. spent 3.3% of its GDP on defense, totaling $880 billion, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics. The institute also found that the U.S. contributes over 50% of NATO’s overall funding, while other major European allies like the United Kingdom, France, and Germany contribute between 4% and 8%.
Crenshaw also voiced support for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s pledge to increase UK defense spending to 2.5% of its gross domestic value, a move that would equate to a nearly $17 billion increase. Starmer has also indicated a willingness to deploy British troops to Ukraine if necessary to ensure peace.
According to Crenshaw, such efforts are crucial to deterring Russian aggression and safeguarding the European continent. "That’s what starts to worry Putin," Crenshaw stated. "And until Putin is actually scared of y’all in Europe, he’s going to keep coming. And that’s what you need to learn."
The Trump administration’s efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine continue, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy scheduled to visit the White House. French President Emmanuel Macron also recently met with President Trump, urging the U.S. to coordinate with France to secure a lasting peace. However, Macron cautioned against being naive in dealing with Russia.
"We want peace," Macron said. "And I think the initiative of President Trump is a very positive one. But my message was to say be careful, because we need something substantial for Ukraine." He added, "I think the arrival of President Trump is a game-changer. And I think he has the deterrence capacity of the U.S. to re-engage with Russia."
Crenshaw’s blunt assessment of Europe’s role in the Ukraine conflict highlights the growing pressure on European nations to increase their defense spending and take a more active role in maintaining security on the continent. His comments underscore the Trump administration’s stance that European allies must demonstrate a greater commitment to collective defense if they wish to have a meaningful voice in shaping the future of European security. The future of European involvement hinges on whether they are willing to translate words into action, bolstering their military capabilities and demonstrating a credible deterrent against potential Russian aggression. Without such tangible commitments, Crenshaw suggests their voices will remain largely irrelevant in the ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
