Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren pointed out today that "former President Donald Trump's comment that Washington may not defend its NATO allies who do not spend enough on defense is exactly what Russian President Vladimir Putin likes to hear." Ollongren told Reuters, "To be completely honest, I think this is exactly what Putin loves to hear... Our strength lies in our unity. If we are not united, it makes us weaker. And we know this is what Putin is looking for."
She noted that "this is not the first time he has said something like this. But at the same time, it is of course worrying... I especially think now, with real threats to NATO countries, it is very concerning for someone of such importance to say such things." Ollongren also added that "most members of the alliance have reached or are close to the spending target of at least two percent of GDP on defense." Trump had previously stated that the United States might not protect NATO members who fail to spend adequately on defense from a potential Russian invasion.
