Trump also reiterated his longstanding view that the United States might withdraw from NATO if European allies fail to increase their contributions.
In an interview broadcast on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday—cited by CNBC—Trump suggested that Ukraine could receive “possibly” less U.S. aid once he assumes office. “We’re in for $350 billion, and Europe is in for $100 billion. Why isn’t Europe in for the same as us?” Trump asked, calling for what he described as “equalization” of support. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Washington has committed more than $62 billion in assistance, while a newly announced package of nearly $1 billion in arms and equipment from the U.S. defense secretary suggests sustained involvement in the conflict.
Trump’s stance echoes his earlier position during his first term in the White House, when he repeatedly pressed NATO allies to “pay their bills.” Should they fail to do so, he implied, the U.S. could reconsider its role in the transatlantic military alliance, established after World War II primarily to counter Russian influence in Europe. “Europe is in for a fraction, and war with Russia is more important for Europe than it is for us,” Trump told NBC, as quoted by CNBC. “We have a little thing called an ocean in between us.”
The president-elect declined to confirm whether he has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin since winning office. He has previously claimed that he could broker peace between Russia and Ukraine within a day of taking office, partly due to his self-professed strong ties with Putin. Trump also mentioned that China could play a role in ending the conflict, noting his ongoing communications with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Saturday—held on the sidelines of a ceremony marking the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral—Trump took to his own social media platform, Truth Social, calling for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations. He characterized Zelenskyy as “maybe the greatest salesman of any politician that’s ever lived,” implying that Ukraine’s skillful diplomacy, rather than pure necessity, garnered substantial Western aid.
Trump’s comments, originally detailed by CNBC, also touched on broader geopolitical concerns. Asked about defending Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion, he refused to commit, saying he had to “negotiate things.” He noted that the Taiwan question did not arise during his recent call with Xi.
In a separate development referenced by CNBC, Trump commented on the situation in Syria, where a 13-year civil war saw a dramatic turn as rebels took control of Damascus on Sunday, reportedly sending President Bashar al-Assad into flight. Trump wrote on Truth Social that Assad’s protector, Russia, had lost interest in the conflict after becoming embroiled in Ukraine, stating, “Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia…was not interested in protecting him any longer.”
As Trump prepares to take office, his vision for restructuring international alliances, adjusting U.S. foreign commitments, and negotiating peace deals—supported by what he views as personal diplomatic rapport—has created uncertainty among both allies and adversaries. While he positions himself as a dealmaker capable of reshaping global security, critics and partners alike now await clearer signals of how America’s role in NATO, its support for Ukraine, and its stance toward Russia and China might evolve under his leadership.
(jh)
Source: TVP Info, CNBC, Polsat News