President of the EU Council and Chief of NATO criticize Trump’s threat

NATO Chief and President of EU Council denounces Trumps threat to withhold support from NATO members who fail to meet financial obligations

Citing the recent threat by former U.S. President Donald Trump to withhold support from NATO members who fail to meet financial obligations, potentially inviting Russian aggression, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg issued a stark warning on Sunday to maintain international security, cautioning against using language that undermines collective defense.

Aware that any idea of unwillingness to protect partners jeopardizes the security of all members, including the United States, Stoltenberg underscored the need of unity within the NATO alliance.

Speaking on Saturday, Trump hinted that, in his capacity as president, the United States would not uphold its promise to defend NATO partners that are short on funding, and he even implied that such countries might be targeted by Russian aggression.

The former president of the United States has sharply criticized NATO members for what he sees as their underfunding of the alliance, the position which European officials have strongly condemned. In a statement denouncing Trump’s comments as “reckless,” European Council President Charles Michel emphasized the vital role NATO has played in securing peace and prosperity throughout North America and Europe for more than 70 years.

In addition to stressing the need for the Transatlantic Alliance to remain united, Michel also warned that using divisive language only helps enemies like Russia and increases international instability. As worries about NATO solidarity and the need for the European Union to strengthen its defense capabilities and strategic autonomy grow, so do his remarks.

Article 5 of the treaty, which requires member nations to defend any partner under attack, serves as the backbone of NATO’s collective defense. Trump’s statements coincide with heightened tensions surrounding Ukraine, as the former president is lobbying Republicans in Congress to obstruct the provision of further aid to the nation.

The idea of supporting invasions of NATO countries is “appalling and unhinged,” according to White House spokesman Andrew Bates, who quickly condemned Trump’s remarks. Similar words were spoken by Stoltenberg, who cautioned that such language puts the safety of American and European troops in danger in addition to undermining international security.

Source: AFP