Trump 'encourages' Russia to attack NATO states not paying 'bills'
Moscow could 'do whatever the hell they want' with members of the US military alliance that didn't meet spending targets, warned the Republican front-runner.
Donald Trump said on Saturday that he would "encourage" Russia to attack NATO members that failed to pay their bills as part of the US-led military alliance.
Speaking at a rally, the Republican front-runner said that during his presidency he told a leader the US would not protect a NATO member that failed to meet the NATO defence spending target.
In a hypothetical scenario where they were attacked by Moscow, Trump warned he "would encourage” Russia “to do whatever the hell they want”.
“‘You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent?’” Trump recounted saying. “‘No I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay. You gotta pay your bills.’”
NATO states are obligated to come to the aid of other member states. Many experts argue NATO is a key defence alliance that has helped reduce war and conflict.
