Trump's Ukraine aid suspension sparks NATO existential debate
Donald Trump's decision to suspend aid to Ukraine has caused a real shock in Oslo. Norwegian politicians are discussing a turning point for NATO and the obsolescence of one of the Pact's three main goals.
Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik, in a conversation with NRK, emphasized that if the announcements about stopping US aid to Kyiv are confirmed, the situation for Ukraine and Europe will become concerning. He highlighted the need to strengthen security and support for Ukrainians to bolster their negotiating position.
One of NATO's goals "outdated"
In an interview with NRK television, Gen. Robert Mood, former inspector general of the Norwegian Armed Forces, considered the suspension of American aid for Ukraine a turning point in Europe's history and the most significant moment in transatlantic relations since NATO was founded in 1949.
He recalled that the first Secretary General of the Alliance, Gen. Hastings Ismay, set three goals for the Pact: keeping the Germans under control, Russia far away, and the Americans close. According to Mood, this last point has become outdated.
Guri Melby, the leader of the Liberals, stated that Trump has started a dark chapter in Europe's history. Meanwhile, Sylvi Listhaug from the Progress Party interpreted the decision as a call for greater involvement of Norway and the EU in resolving the crisis in Ukraine.
Anders Romarheim from the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment warned that Washington's decision will have dramatic consequences for Ukrainians. He pointed out that the USA perceives transatlantic values differently from Europe.
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