Ukraine’s ex-foreign minister calls NATO spending pledge a win for Trump
NATO members have pledged to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 in response to President Donald Trump’s urging for the alliance to enhance its security measures. This commitment, according to Ukraine’s former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, is a significant victory for Trump and could be a game-changer for Europe’s future if member countries take the increase seriously and follow through on their promise.
Kuleba emphasized the importance of not only investing but also spending in a way that demonstrates a strong commitment to security and sends a clear message to potential adversaries. He believes that Europe must show readiness to defend itself and deter any attacks by demonstrating military strength.
In a candid interview with Fox News Digital, Kuleba expressed pessimism about the current state of Russia-Ukraine peace talks, describing the diplomatic process as “dead.” Russian President Vladimir Putin has intensified attacks on Ukraine in recent months, disregarding calls for a ceasefire and making territorial claims on Ukrainian soil.
Despite escalating tensions, Trump has refrained from imposing additional sanctions on Russia, opting to pursue diplomatic efforts. Kuleba believes that Putin lacks motivation to change his behavior without feeling pressure, and he doubts the effectiveness of diplomacy in the current circumstances.
During the NATO summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Trump to discuss the purchase of American air defense systems. Kuleba commended Trump for his assertive approach and urged the U.S. to leverage sticks, carrots, and time pressure to revitalize the negotiation process and bring an end to the conflict.
As peace talks stall, Kuleba advised Europe to prioritize defense capabilities by investing in weapons for both Ukraine and the continent. He emphasized the need for Europe to take responsibility for its security and reduce dependence on external players like the U.S., Russian gas, and Chinese minerals.
In response to Russia’s aggression, the European Union proposed an 18th sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy and banking sectors. EU leaders expressed solidarity with Ukraine and vowed to ramp up pressure on Russia until peace is achieved.
In conclusion, Kuleba stressed the importance of strength in dealing with Russia’s aggressive tactics, emphasizing that Europe must take proactive measures to ensure its security and stability. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the need for a united front and robust defense capabilities to deter further aggression.
