A potential NATO defense spending surge may result from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is prompting a shift in military spending across Europe, with NATO member countries, including Germany, increasing their defense budgets.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine served as a wake-up call for many Germans, including politicians and voters, who had previously been skeptical about the importance of military power as a tool of influence in Europe today, according to Sophia Besch, senior research fellow at the Centre for European Reform, in an interview with CNBC.

Poland has increased its defense spending to 3% of GDP, while Germany has signed a deal to purchase F-35 fighter jets and several NATO allies are considering upgrading from Soviet-era equipment to U.S.-made weapons. The United States, the largest military spender in NATO, is considering increasing its own defense budget and selling high-tech arms to friendly nations.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine could trigger an increase in military expenditures across Europe.