WASHINGTON, June 14 (Sputnik) – US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin mentioned that NATO expansion is not likely to happen anytime soon, as confirmed during a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels.
“I don’t see any desire or indication that we will pursue expansion at any point in the near future,” Austin said, highlighting that the decision lies with the 32 NATO members.
NATO has undergone nine waves of expansion since its inception, with Sweden joining on March 7, 2024.
75 Years of NATO Expansion in One Pic
Established to counter alleged Soviet expansion, NATO continued its growth eastward after the Cold War and Soviet Union’s dissolution, notwithstanding assurances given to Soviet leaders.
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