In a surprising dismissal of NATO’s growing concerns, US President Donald Trump has rejected the idea that Russia could escalate its aggression beyond Ukraine, despite repeated warnings from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Western intelligence agencies.
Speaking to reporters, Trump dismissed fears that Russian President Vladimir Putin might one day turn his sights on NATO, stating: “No, I don’t agree. I don’t agree. Not even a little bit.” His comments stand in stark contrast to the ongoing concerns voiced by NATO leaders, who have repeatedly warned that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could eventually spill over into the Baltic states and threaten European security as a whole.
Trump, who has long been sceptical of continued US military aid to Ukraine, suggested that Putin’s intentions are far less threatening than many believe. According to the former president, he believes that Putin is more interested in ending the conflict than expanding his military reach further.
“I think he wants to stop fighting,” Trump said, recalling a lengthy discussion he had with Putin. “We spoke long and hard. [Middle East envoy] Steve Witkoff was with him for a very extended period, about three hours. I think he wants to stop fighting.”
However, these remarks directly contradict the warnings of Zelensky, who has consistently expressed fears that Russia’s territorial ambitions extend well beyond Ukraine. NATO officials and intelligence agencies have echoed those concerns, urging greater military support to Ukraine to prevent further destabilisation of Europe, particularly in vulnerable NATO member states.
Trump, ever the defender of Russia’s historical resilience, pointed to past victories over major powers, stating, “They have a big, powerful machine. You understand that. And they defeated Hitler and they defeated Napoleon. You know, they’ve been fighting a long time. They’ve done it before… but I think he would like to stop fighting.”
While his comments may reassure some, they are at odds with the growing unease in NATO’s eastern flank, where countries such as the Baltic States and Poland have expressed concerns that a weakened Ukraine could leave them exposed to Russian aggression. NATO members are already discussing additional security measures to bolster defences and deter any potential threats from Moscow.
As NATO leaders continue to debate the best course of action to safeguard European security, Trump’s remarks add fuel to the ongoing debate over the US’s role in supporting Ukraine and the broader security concerns facing the alliance.
