Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused many nations to raise their defence budgets.

Whether this helps to maintain peace, or bolster aggression, is unforeseen.

Early into the conflict, Germany decided to commit one hundred billion euros in military expenditure. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, addressing the Parliament in Berlin, said that it was ‘Germany’s historic responsibility’ to ensure that Vladimir Putin ‘does not turn the clocks back.’ Magdelena Andersson, Prime Minister of Sweden, announced on March 1st that Sweden would increase its expenditure on defence.

Reuters reported on March 3rd that Poland would heighten spending on its armed forces – more than had been planned.

As for why the UK hasn’t increased defence spending, treasury sources claimed that the Ministry of Defence had already been given the funding it needs to deter Russian aggression, pointing out that the threat from Vladimir Putin was identified in the integrated review last year. Rishi Sunak’s decision to not increase the defence budget in spite of war in Ukraine, has been heavily criticised by many. There are calls for the UK to adopt a similar strategy to the US, where spending on defence is also increasing.

Romania have suddenly spent millions on iodide pills, as a protective measure against radiation poisoning should nuclear weaponry be used on their doorsteps. They have also raised defence expenditure by a whopping twenty-five percent within a single year.

All in all, the world is on edge – as indicated by the growing expenditure on defence worldwide. One can only hope, that this isn’t cause for further wartime tension.