President Donald Trump rejected concerns that Russia may one day wage war against NATO, contradicting warnings from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Speaking to reporters, Trump dismissed the notion that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ambitions beyond Ukraine.
“No, I don’t agree. I don’t agree. Not even a little bit,” Trump said when asked about Zelenskyy’s warning that Putin could eventually escalate his aggression beyond Ukraine’s borders.
Trump, who has long been skeptical of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, suggested that Putin is seeking an end to the war rather than preparing for further military expansion.
“I think he wants to stop fighting. I see that. We spoke long and hard. [Middle East envoy] Steve Witkoff was with him for a very extended period, like about three hours. I think he wants to stop fighting,” Trump said, describing discussions with the Russian leader.
The president’s remarks reflect a departure from the stance of many NATO leaders, who have repeatedly warned that Russia’s war against Ukraine threatens European security. NATO officials and Western intelligence agencies have cautioned that if Ukraine does not receive adequate support, Moscow may attempt to test the alliance’s defenses, particularly in the Baltic states.
Despite mounting evidence of Russia’s continued military expansion, Trump dismissed concerns about Putin’s broader ambitions, citing Russia’s historical resilience in warfare.
“They have a big, powerful machine. You understand that,” Trump said. “And they defeated Hitler and they defeated Napoleon. You know, they’ve been fighting a long time. They’ve done it before … but I think he would like to stop fighting.”
His comments come at a critical time, as NATO allies continue to discuss additional security measures to deter potential Russian aggression. European leaders, particularly those in Eastern Europe, have expressed concerns that a weakened Ukraine could leave NATO vulnerable to further destabilization.