UK, France, Italy, Spain, Canada block NATO proposal for 0.25% GDP Ukraine aid

Several major NATO allies, including the UK, France, Italy, Spain and Canada, blocked a proposal to commit 0.25% of gross domestic product (GDP) annually in military aid to Ukraine, according to a report by the UK-based newspaper The Telegraph. The report said NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte had hoped to secure agreement on the proposal ahead of the alliance's upcoming summit in Ankara, Türkiye, but acknowledged this week that the plan lacked sufficient backing to move forward.

Rutte's acknowledgment

"I don't think this one will be proposed," Rutte told reporters, according to the report. The Telegraph said the proposal was aimed at ensuring NATO members provide a minimum level of military support to Kyiv as Russia's war in Ukraine continues into its fourth year.

Opposition

According to the report, at least seven NATO member states supported the initiative, particularly countries already spending more than 0.25% of GDP on military assistance. An unnamed alliance insider said the UK, France, Spain, Italy, and Canada were "not very enthusiastic about the idea." NATO decisions require unanimous approval, effectively allowing opposing countries to block adoption.

Burden-sharing debate

The reported opposition comes despite Britain being among Ukraine's largest military donors, though its pledges remain below the proposed threshold. Criticism has focused on larger NATO economies, including France, Italy, and Spain, over claims they are not contributing enough compared to smaller allies like Poland and Nordic and Baltic states.