Stoltenberg: Russia should have no illusions, NATO will protect each member country

2024-02-14 14:25:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Stoltenberg: Russia should have no illusions, NATO will protect each member

The Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, said that Russia should have no doubts about the readiness of the alliance to protect each of its member states.

The head of NATO made this statement on the eve of the meeting of the defense ministers of the NATO countries, which will be held on February 14. In this meeting, the situation in Ukraine, the strength of the alliance will be discussed and preparations will be made for the Washington summit in July, when the 75th anniversary of NATO's founding will also be marked.

Stoltenberg was asked by reporters about NATO's readiness, following statements made by former US President Donald Trump, who said that his country would not defend its allies if they did not fulfill their financial obligations to NATO.

"NATO will continue to ensure that there is no doubt in Moscow that we will defend each member state. For 75 years, NATO has prevented any attack against any member country. This is because everyone has known that NATO will protect each member country. NATO's basis is the principle that an attack on one member country is an attack on all," said Stoltenberg.

"Any suggestion that we won't protect each other increases the risk. We need to make it clear with actions, but also with words, that we remain ready to protect each member. Therefore, we do not see any immediate danger of attacks on any NATO member country, because others know what NATO's response would be", he added. The head of NATO mentioned the latest figures related to the allies' investments in the field of defense, which according to him, proves that there is progress towards fulfilling the obligation to allocate at least 2 percent of the Gross Domestic Product from the national budgets.

"Since in 2014 the promise was made at the level of NATO for 2 percent of GDP investments in defense, 600 billion euros more have been added to these expenses. Last year, defense investment from European countries and Canada increased by 11 percent. This year, 18 NATO member countries will reach the level of 2 percent", he said.

Trump, who is aiming to get the Republican nomination to run again for the White House, at the weekend recalled a meeting with NATO leaders, quoted the president of a "big country", which he did not mention name, asking him, "Sir, if we don't pay, and we are attacked by Russia, will you protect us?"

"I told him: 'You didn't pay? Are you delinquent?' He said: 'Yes, that's what happened.' No, I will not protect you. I would actually encourage them to do whatever they want. You have to pay," Trump said.

Trump's statements have provoked harsh criticism from the White House, the European Union and NATO./ Rel