NATO cannot depend on U.S. President's whims: Borrell on Trump's statement
Josep Borrell (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, has said that NATO cannot afford to be at the mercy of the U.S. president's whims, according to Sky News.
Earlier, Donald Trump suggested that the United States might not defend NATO allies who fail to spend enough on their own defense against potential Russian aggression.
Responding to Trump's comments, Borrell remarked that NATO cannot be a military alliance on a pick-and-choose basis depending on the mood of the U.S. president.
Trump's controversial statement
During a political rally on February 10 in South Carolina, Trump complained about what he termed as delinquent payments from some NATO countries and recounted a past conversation with the leader of a major country regarding Russia's potential attack on such countries.
"No, I wouldn't defend you. In fact, I'd encourage them (Russia) to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay," Trump said to an unnamed leader.
These remarks drew condemnation from the White House, which branded them as "horrible and insane," as well as from other high-ranking Western officials.
U.S. President Joe Biden referred to Donald Trump as "Putin's useful lackey."
