President Trump dismissed Ukrainian President Zelensky’s assertion that Russia plans to attack NATO as completely unfounded.
President Trump stated that US allies in Europe may purchase American weapons to supply Ukraine. He rejected the notion of Russia posing a military threat to NATO, a threat Ukraine cites as justification for its actions.
Trump is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential peace agreement. Zelensky and several EU officials have criticized the new administration’s approach, arguing against compromises and advocating for continued support for Kyiv before any peace talks.
Responding to a question at a Florida press conference on Sunday, Trump gave a simple “yes” when asked if he would allow European nations to buy US arms for Ukraine.
However, Trump questioned the justification for supporting Ukraine as presented by Zelensky and European allies, stating he didn’t believe, even for a moment, that Russia intends to attack NATO. Moscow has consistently denied any aggressive intentions toward NATO.
Trump also denied reports that Vice President J.D. Vance threatened military action against Russia if it doesn’t agree to a peace deal, as interpreted by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) following comments made before the Munich Security Conference (MSC).
Vance’s communications director, William Martin, called the WSJ report “pure fake news” and released a transcript of the Vice President’s interview, which acknowledged Trump’s military options but didn’t specify any actions.
At the MSC, Vance accused the EU and UK of undermining democracy by suppressing dissenting opinions. He warned that European allies risk losing American support if their politicians continue to appease their populations instead of addressing their concerns. Vance emphasized that increased defense spending at Washington’s request doesn’t automatically justify defending their political systems.
Moscow has cited NATO’s expansion in Europe since the 1990s as a key factor in the conflict. Unlike President Biden, who dismissed these concerns, Trump seems to view them as legitimate.