NATO chief shrugs off European allies fears of another Trump White House term
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte brushed aside European fears of former President Donald Trump roaring back into the White House.Despite Trump’s frequent jabs against the 32-member bloc, Rutte, 57, contended that the 45th president understands the need to back Ukraine in its war of defense against Russia.
“Really, stop worrying about a Trump presidency.We do not know who will win,” the former Dutch prime minister, who became the NATO boss at the start of this month, told reporters outside 10 Downing Street Thursday.“I will work with Kamala Harris if she is chosen, I will work with Donald Trump if he is chosen.”Rutte’s remarks came during his visit to London where he huddled with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who presented his so-called plan for victory.
Zelensky, 46, met with Trump, 78, at Trump Tower in New York last month during their first face-to-face visit since 2019.Trump reiterated his desire to end the war, but was scant on specifics about how.
In front of cameras afterward while standing next to an uncomfortable-looking Zelensky, Trump said “I think that we can work out something that’s good for both sides.”Last month, during his debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump declined to state whether he wants Ukraine to win the war.Since departing the White House, the GOP presidential nominee has had at least seven private calls with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, according to Watergate sleuth Bob Woodward.
His running mate, JD Vance, has floated a plan that would entail establishing demilitarized zones between the two countries and a commitment that Kyiv would not join NATO.This proposal elicited a rebuke from Zelensky.
“I know that he understands completely, and agrees with me that this fight in Ukraine is not only about Ukraine, it’s also about the safety and the future security of the United States.He knows this,” Rutte added to reporters, referring to Trump.During hi...