NATO Chief Urges Europe to Collaborate with Trump
- Stoltenberg urged NATO countries to support Ukraine's peace initiative instead of a new Chinese proposal that Turkey has joined.
- He emphasized the need for European leaders to engage with the U.S. to maintain support for Ukraine, especially with the upcoming presidential election.
- Stoltenberg's comments reflect the ongoing challenges NATO faces in ensuring unity and defense against potential threats from Russia.
In Brussels, NATO's outgoing secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine's peace initiative over a new proposal from China and Brazil, which Turkey has backed. Stoltenberg stated that Ukraine must determine acceptable conditions for peace, given its status as the victim of a full-scale invasion. He criticized the Chinese initiative, which has attracted 17 countries, including Turkey, as potentially undermining Ukraine's sovereignty. Meanwhile, Stoltenberg urged European leaders to engage with the U.S. regarding support for Ukraine, especially in light of the upcoming presidential election. He highlighted the necessity for European allies to convey the importance of U.S. backing to maintain Ukraine's independence. Stoltenberg's tenure as NATO chief, which lasted a decade, is coming to an end, and he will be succeeded by Mark Rutte. His remarks reflect ongoing tensions in Europe regarding defense spending and the perceived threat from Russia, as he cautioned against creating a narrative of inevitable Russian aggression. Stoltenberg's call for unity among NATO members underscores the alliance's commitment to collective security in the face of external threats.