Trump says greater NATO protection spending might deter Russian aggression

[ad_1] THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian chief Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the NATO summit Wednesday and urged that elevated spending by the trans-Atlantic alliance might assist forestall future Russian aggression in opposition to its neighbors.

NATO members agreed to lift their spending targets by 2035 to five% of gross home product yearly on core protection necessities in addition to defense-and security-related spending. That concentrate on had been 2% of GDP.

“Europe stepping as much as take extra accountability for safety will assist forestall future disasters just like the horrible scenario with Russia and Ukraine,” Trump stated on the summit-ending information convention shortly after seeing Zelenskyy. “And hopefully we’re going to get that solved.”

Trump additionally reiterated his perception that Russian President Vladimir Putin desires to finish the conflict in Ukraine that started with Moscow’s invasion in February 2022.

“He’d prefer to get out of this factor. It’s a large number for him,” Trump stated. “He referred to as the opposite day, and he stated, ‘Can I make it easier to with Iran?’ I stated, ‘No, you'll be able to assist me with Russia.’”

Trump’s assembly with Zelenskyy was their first face-to-face session since April once they met at St. Peter’s Basilica throughout Pope Francis’ funeral. Trump additionally had a significant confrontation with Zelenskyy earlier this yr on the White Home.

Zelenskyy, in a social media put up, stated The Hague talks had been substantive and he thanked Trump for the U.S. help.

“We mentioned tips on how to obtain a ceasefire and an actual peace. We spoke about tips on how to defend our individuals. We recognize the eye and the readiness to assist deliver peace nearer,” Zelenskyy added.

Trump left open the potential of sending Kyiv extra U.S.-made Patriot air protection missile techniques.

Requested by a Ukrainian reporter, who stated that her husband was a Ukrainian soldier, Trump acknowledged that sending extra Patriots would assist the Ukrainian trigger.

“They do wish to have the antimissile missiles, OK, as they name them, the Patriots,” Trump stated. “And we’re going to see if we will make some out there. We'd like them, too. We’re supplying them to Israel, and, they’re very efficient, 100% efficient. Laborious to consider how efficient. They do need that greater than every other factor.”

Over the course of the conflict, the U.S. has routinely pressed for allies to supply air protection techniques to Ukraine. However many are reluctant to surrender the high-tech techniques, notably nations in Jap Europe that additionally really feel threatened by Russia.

Trump laid into the U.S. media all through his information convention however confirmed uncommon heat towards the Ukrainian reporter.

“That’s an excellent query,” Trump stated in regards to the question about Patriots. “And I want you a variety of luck. I imply, I can see it’s very upsetting to you. So say hi there to your husband.”

Ukraine has been entrance and middle at current NATO summits. However because the alliance’s newest annual assembly of leaders opened within the Netherlands, Zelenskyy was not within the room. The Trump administration has blocked Ukraine’s bid to join NATO .

The battle with Russia has laid waste to Ukrainian cities and killed hundreds of civilians. Simply final week, Russia launched one of the biggest drone assaults of the conflict.

Throughout Trump’s 2024 marketing campaign for the White Home, the Republican pledged a fast finish to the conflict. He noticed it as a pricey boondoggle that, he claimed, wouldn't have occurred had he received reelection in 2020. Since taking workplace in January, he has struggled to discover a decision to the battle and has proven frustration with each Putin and Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy spent Tuesday in The Hague shuttling from assembly to assembly. He obtained a pledge from summit host the Netherlands for navy assist, together with new drones and radars to assist knock out Russian drones.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer introduced that the UK will present 350 air protection missiles to Ukraine, funded by 70 million kilos ($95 million) raised from the curiosity on seized Russian belongings.

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Madhani reported from Washington. Related Press writers Jill Lawless in London and Molly Quell contributed to this report.

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