Trump's NATO comment what 'Putin loves to hear' - Dutch minister


  • World
  • Monday, 12 Feb 2024

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump applauds as he holds a campaign rally at Coastal Carolina University ahead of the South Carolina Republican presidential primary in Conway, South Carolina, U.S., February 10, 2024. REUTERS/Sam Wolfe

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Former U.S. President Donald Trump's comment that Washington might not defend NATO allies which failed to spend enough on defence is exactly what Russian President Vladimir Putin loves to hear, the Dutch defence minister said on Monday.

Trump suggested the United States might not protect NATO allies who aren't spending enough on defence from a potential Russian invasion.

"Quite frankly, I think this is exactly what Putin loves to hear," Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren told Reuters on Monday. "Our strength is our unity. And if we're not united, it makes us weaker. And we know that that is what Putin is looking for."

Enshrined in Article 5 of NATO's founding treaty is the principle of collective defence - the idea that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

"It's not the first time that he says something along these lines. But at the same time, it's of course worrying," Ollongren said.

"...And I think especially now, with real threats also to NATO countries, it's very concerning that someone who is that important is saying these things."

Ollongren also noted that most NATO allies were close to or had reached the target budget spending on defence of a minimum of 2% of gross domestic product.

(Reporting by Anthony Deutsch; Editing by Nick Macfie)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In World

Wave of racist texts after US election prompts FBI scrutiny
German physicists create the world’s tiniest QR�code
Before the US election, tech CEOs were quietly courting Trump
YouTuber known for drag race videos crashes speeding BMW and dies
Racist text messages referencing slavery raise alarms in multiple states and prompt investigations
Who will staff Trump's government? A look at top contenders
How AI will boost Windows Notepad and Paint
Australia to introduce this month legislation to ban social media for children under 16, PM says
Pentagon chief says he has not changed position on Guantanamo Bay plea deals
US President-elect Trump names Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff

Others Also Read