Former US President Donald Trump, who is the leading Republican candidate for this year's elections, said in a campaign speech that if NATO members do not increase their defense budget to the level determined by the organization, the United States will not defend them in the event of a Russian attack on any NATO member. His remarks shocked NATO members, with even the White House calling Trump's words frightening and erratic
Mr. Trump went further to suggest that any NATO member country failing to meet its financial commitment encourages Russia to attack them. NATO Secretary-General criticized Trump's statements, stating that any suggestion of non-defense among coalition members weakens collective security and puts the organization's security at risk
These statements by Donald Trump contradict NATO principles, as members of this military alliance have committed to defending each other if any member is attacked. The US elections are scheduled to take place in the coming months.
