Trump called the dispute over Greenland the main reason for the deterioration of relations with NATO
US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, accusing allies of failing to provide real assistance at critical moments.
During a press conference at the White House, Trump stated that the organization has lost its authority on the international stage. In his opinion, the current security structure is not fulfilling its functions, which directly affects the perception of Western power by other states.
The president paid special attention to the issue of Greenland, calling the dispute over the island the root cause of the current cooling of relations with European partners. Washington has repeatedly stated the strategic need to control this territory to ensure US national security, but has met with categorical resistance from Denmark and the local authorities of the island.
“I have always said that NATO is a “paper tiger”. Putin is not afraid of NATO. Putin is afraid of us. Very afraid. He has explained this to me many times. I know him well, very well,” Donald Trump said.
Commenting on relations with the Alliance leadership, Trump called the current Secretary General Mark Rutte a worthy person, but emphasized that the ideological gap between the parties had deepened precisely because of territorial issues.
Donald Trump made it clear that Denmark’s refusal to consider proposals regarding the island had led to serious disappointment in the format of collective cooperation.
“He’s a good person, but… Do you know where it all started? If you want to know the truth, it started with Greenland. We want Greenland. They don’t want to give it to us. And I said: well, goodbye,” he noted.
In addition to European affairs, the president’s criticism also touched on Pacific partners – South Korea, Australia and Japan. The president reproached them for their lack of support in efforts to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. Germany was mentioned separately, to which the US leader reminded of America’s historic role in the country’s reconstruction after World War II, expressing indignation at Berlin’s current position on the war with Iran.
“Look at World War II. We rebuilt Germany. And what now – Germany tells us that this is not their war? That they have nothing to do with this? ”, — the president emphasized.
Despite the tension, the situation around Greenland is gradually moving into the diplomatic plane. After a period of sharp statements and threats of economic pressure, at the end of January, information appeared about the start of trilateral negotiations between the USA, Denmark and Greenland on a new framework agreement on cooperation in the Arctic region. This indicates an attempt by the parties to find a compromise format for interaction without the use of force.
