NATO countries bordering Russia and Belarus are strengthening their defense capabilities in case of a military conflict, Politico reports.

It recalled that US President Donald Trump had threatened to withdraw his country from NATO after the end of the war with Iran, as European allies declined to assist Washington in the conflict with Tehran.

Finland spends almost 3 percent of its GDP on defense and, in accordance with its commitments to NATO, plans to increase this figure to 5 percent by 2035. The country's air force expects to receive American F-35 fighter jets in the coming months. Despite these measures, the Finnish armed forces are still lagging behind in mastering the use of unmanned technology.

Poland, for its part, is focusing on concrete barriers, sensors, drones, and a rapid expansion of its army, as well as investing billions in defense structures along the borders with Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast and Belarus. At the same time, in some areas there is a discrepancy between plans and reality: fortifications appear, then disappear, materials remain in warehouses, and locals observe a decline in construction activity.

Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are strengthening their defenses within the framework of a joint Baltic defense line, creating anti-tank ditches, minefields, and bunkers. These measures include expanding armies, building concrete barriers, using drones, installing sensors, and creating defense lines.