US President Biden reacts sharply to Trump's NATO remarks

US President Joe Biden has reacted sharply to the statement made by former US President Donald Trump, in which he claimed that he would not help NATO countries that pay little if they were attacked by Russia, and would instead encourage Russia to attack them. 

In his statement, Biden noted that Trump's remarks made the passage of the long-delayed funding request in Congress to support Ukraine's defense against Russia even more urgent, stating, "The risks to US security were already high before this bill was passed in the Senate last night. 

However, these risks have increased even further in recent days. The reason for this is that the former President has sent a signal to the world that is dangerous, shocking, and frankly contrary to American principles and beliefs."

Stating that failing to support Ukraine would mean supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden added that the attacks could cross Ukraine's borders and advance deep into Europe.

TRUMP'S NATO REMARKS

During his campaign speech in South Carolina on February 11, Trump addressed member countries that pay little to NATO, stating that at a meeting attended by leaders of NATO countries, a leader of a major country approached him and asked whether the US would protect them if they were attacked by Russia, even if they had not made their payments.

Trump stated that he replied to the leader who did not fulfill their NATO obligations, "He asked me, 'If we don't pay, and we are attacked by Russia, will you protect us?' 

I told him, 'You didn't pay? You're delinquent. No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You have to pay.'"

News Source: İHA