Behind closed doors: How NATO tried to pressure Trump on Russia

At a private dinner of NATO leaders last week, European allies tried to convince US President Donald Trump to change his position on Russia.

According to him, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also took part in the conversation with Trump. The main topic was the issue of increasing economic pressure on Russia.

"We spoke to him very consistently and collectively, persuading him that the time has come to significantly increase economic pressure on Russia," Pavel emphasized.

Trump gave examples of his policy toward China, mentioning the effect of high tariffs. In response, Pavel said that such determination could bring even faster results in the case of Russia:

"I said: ‘You see, this is exactly the kind of decisive approach we now need toward Russia. If China felt it within a month, then Russia, with its economy, might feel it within a week or two'," the Czech president said.

Increasing defense spending

Another topic was defense funding. According to Pavel, Trump asked why European countries cannot spend 5% of GDP on defense next year.

The leaders replied that Europe's current industrial capacities do not allow for such large-scale arms production.

The Czech president also noted that Trump remains cautious in his assessments, but recognizes the effectiveness of economic pressure as a tool to influence the Kremlin.

US expectations

Earlier, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that he expects European NATO member states to increase defense spending. The target of 5% of GDP was proposed by Washington.

Against the backdrop of European countries agreeing to such a target, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has already admitted that they have stepped up.