WASHINGTON (AP) – Senior defense officials say the Pentagon will seek to quadruple the amount it is spending on military aid to Europe. The boost in spending comes amid expanding threats from Islamic State militants and an increasingly aggressive Russia.
Officials say the proposed budget initiative would total about $3.4 billion to increase troop rotations and military exercises, and position military equipment around Europe. The plan is mainly aimed at reassuring allies who are alarmed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine’s Crimea region and its efforts to support separatists along the eastern border.
Defense Secretary Ash Carter is expected to announce the funding plan Tuesday morning during a speech at the Economic Club of Washington. The officials are not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.