BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union cannot rely on the United States to defend it and must increase military spending and security preparedness to help Ukraine and deter Russia from targeting any more of its neighbors, top EU officials warned on Wednesday.

United States President Donald Trump is right when it comes to Europe's responsibility to significantly boost its own defense spending, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Wednesday in the European Parliament. "If Europe is to survive, it needs to be armed," he said.

The European Union must arm itself to “survive” in an increasingly uncertain global order, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said, calling on the bloc to help member nations finance a build up in defense spending.

In an address to EU lawmakers, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged the 27-nation bloc to 'take control' of its own security.

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,