The European Union cannot rely on the United States to defend it and must increase military spending and security preparedness to deter Russia from targeting more of its neighbors after Ukraine, senior officials have warned.

The European Union must arm itself to “survive” in an increasingly uncertain global order, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Wednesday, calling on the bloc’s member states to boost spending on defense.

The European Union has been urged to enhance its defense spending and security measures amid fears that reliance on the United States could be misplaced. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighted the need for the 27-nation bloc to focus on self-reliance,