Panic at the coalition summit
“Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines our entire security, including that of the United States, and exposes American and European soldiers to increased danger,” Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement.
“I would encourage the Russians to do whatever they want to you.”
The former US president regularly criticizes NATO allies for not fulfilling their commitments regarding military spending. Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee against Joe Biden in the November presidential election, has threatened if re-elected to stop defending NATO countries that do not allocate a large enough portion of their budget to defense, even going so far as to encourage Russia to attack them. “No, I will not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them (the Russians, editor's note) to do whatever they want to you. You must pay your debts,” he threatened.
The NATO Secretary General emphasized in his press statement that “NATO remains ready and able to defend all Allies.” He added, “Any attack on NATO will lead to a unified and strong response.” He added: “I am convinced that the United States will remain a strong and committed ally within NATO, regardless of who wins the presidential election.”
The White House responded strongly to the former president's statements. Its spokesman, Andrew Bates, said: “Encouraging the invasion of our closest allies by murderous regimes is appalling and senseless.”
“Speech that only serves Putin’s interests.”
European Council President Charles Michel considered Donald Trump's statements “reckless.” “The transatlantic alliance has supported the security and prosperity of Americans, Canadians and Europeans for 75 years,” he said.
He added that “reckless statements about NATO security and Article 5 solidarity only serve Putin's interests” and “bring neither more security nor peace to the world.” He continued: “On the contrary, they once again stress the need for the European Union to urgently develop its strategic independence and invest in its defense.”
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