Czech President accuses Trump of undermining NATO unity
Photo: Czech President Petr Pavel (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump has undermined trust in NATO with his statements more than Russian leader Vladimir Putin has over many years. Such actions put the Alliance’s core principles of collective defense at risk, said Czech President Petr Pavel, according to The Guardian.
Threat to NATO unity
According to the outlet, speaking at Charles University, Petr Pavel stressed that NATO is built on deterrence and the willingness to act as a "united entity." In his view, doubts about solidarity among member states undermine the Alliance’s fundamental role.
"It must be said that Donald Trump has done more to reduce the alliance’s credibility in the last few weeks than Vladimir Putin has managed in many years. This is, of course, not good news," he said.
Disputes over operations beyond NATO
Pavel called Trump’s criticism of allies for a lack of support in Middle East conflicts "unfair." He noted that NATO is a defensive alliance and is not automatically obligated to assist in wars outside its territory.
According to the President, European partners were initially not informed about the objectives of the operations, and when the situation began to develop unexpectedly, Trump expressed frustration over the lack of support in the Strait of Hormuz.
At the same time, a dispute is ongoing within Czechia between President Pavel and Foreign Minister Petr Macinka. They have not been able to agree on who will represent the country at the NATO summit in Ankara in June.
Strain in US-Europe relations
Recently, former UK National Security Adviser Lord Peter Ricketts said that London should reconsider its approach to cooperation with the United States and abandon illusions about a special relationship, as the war with Iran has seriously undermined trust between the countries.
Donald Trump has also issued an ultimatum to European allies, demanding that they take full responsibility for security in the Strait of Hormuz after the end of hostilities in Iran.
In addition, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, after meeting with the US President, said that Trump is "clearly disappointed" by the Alliance’s refusal to take part in the war against Iran.
