Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius affirmed the legitimacy of the U.S. request for NATO allies to boost defense spending during an interview at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue. She stated that prior to the Ukraine conflict, the Netherlands heavily depended on allies for defense. Yesilgoz urged all NATO members to fulfill their commitment to allocate 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) for defense, which was agreed upon at the Hague summit. Currently, the Netherlands spends approximately 2.2% of its GDP on defense. She noted that public support for increased defense funding has surged since the onset of the Ukraine war. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the U.S. would no longer subsidize defense for wealthy nations. Yesilgoz stressed the importance of collective defense responsibilities, stating that nations must enhance their defense capabilities to maintain a voice in global security discussions, rather than becoming vulnerable.