Rutte: Europe should stop whining about Trump and focus on Ukraine

Photo: Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands (Getty Images)

Europe should stop complaining about the US presidential candidate Donald Trump and focus on what it can do for Ukraine, said the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte during the Munich Security Conference.

As the publication reminds, Trump sparked outrage in Europe after stating that, if re-elected as president, he would not defend NATO allies who do not spend enough on defense.

“We should stop moaning and whining and nagging about Trump. It’s up to the Americans. I’m not an American, I cannot vote in the U.S. We have to work with whoever is on the dance floor,” said Rutte.

He added that Europe should spend more on defense and increase ammunition production, not only because Trump may return to the presidency but also because it is in Europe’s interests. He emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine, as it is also in Europe’s interests.

What preceded

Recently, Trump threatened that if re-elected, he would not defend NATO allies who “do not pay their bills.” He also added that he would encourage Russia to attack such states.

It is worth noting that 31 NATO countries have committed to spend 2% of GDP on defense, but not all have reached this mark.

These statements have drawn criticism from the White House, which called them “terrible and insane,” as well as from other senior Western officials.

US President Joe Biden called Donald Trump “Putin’s useful lackey.”

More about Trump’s threats, allies’ reactions, the reasons for such rhetoric, and the risks for our country can be found in this material.