‘I'd encourage Russia to attack any member nation,’ says Donald Trump amidst NATO, Ukraine aid
Donald Trump, is increasingly adopting a stance of disengagement. Trump has expressed doubts regarding aid to Ukraine and has been critical of NATO, often arguing that it is unfair for the United States to be obligated to defend other members of the 31-nation alliance. On Saturday, he took his stance further, stating that he would “encourage" Russia to attack any member nation that had not fulfilled its financial obligations.
Recalling an unspecified NATO meeting, Trump recounted a conversation with another head of state. However, he did not mention any name. Also Read: Trump Says Ukraine War Must End as Senate Advances Aid Package "One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, 'Well, sir, if we don't pay, and we're attacked by Russia, will you protect us?' I said, 'You didn't pay, you're delinquent?'" “No, I would not protect you.
In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You got to pay. You got to pay your bills." Trump's remarks coincide with comments made by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg amid increasing requests for shells, ammunition, and other military assistance from Ukraine as it continues to combat Russian forces into its third year.
Additionally, Western leaders have intensified calls for more substantial support. Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Joe Biden urged US lawmakers on Friday to endorse a long-awaited military aid package for Ukraine, cautioning that Kyiv would struggle to fend off Russia's invasion without it, AFP reported. Also Read: Russia planning to attack NATO? President Vladimir Putin says 'no reason to...' Stoltenberg said, "NATO does not seek war with Russia, but we need to brace ourselves for potentially decades of confrontation,"
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