Mark Rutte. Courtesy of the Brussels Times | Belga / Eric Lalmand

 

NATO's pledge to allocate 5% of its national output to defence is being hailed as Donald Trump's most significant foreign policy triumph, according to alliance chief Mark Rutte. In a revealing BBC interview, Rutte credited Trump with strengthening NATO, emphasising his positive impact on collective defence and support for Ukraine amid mounting tensions with Russia. The US leader has been vocal about European countries' low defence spending, even threatening to withhold US military protection without increased commitment.

 

Tensions have risen as Nato's chief cautioned about a possible Russian attack on allies within five years—an assertion dismissed by Russia's President Vladimir Putin as "pure nonsense." Putin has accused the West of fabricating a Russian threat, dismissing it as "hysteria." Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin claimed four Ukrainian regions, further solidifying control over much of Luhansk, while demanding Ukraine's retreat from parts of Donetsk.

 

Putin insists on achieving objectives of the so-called "special military operation," potentially by military means if diplomacy fails. Rutte reflects on the insanity of Putin's ambition to reclaim land lost during the Soviet Union era, highlighting the devastating human toll, with 1.1 million Russian casualties. The US's negotiations with Ukraine involve a controversial Trump-proposed peace plan, ceding some territory while offering security guarantees similar to Nato's mutual protection clause.

 

In ongoing discussions, Nato aims to deter further Russian aggression with strong security measures. European allies joined Ukrainian President Zelensky in Berlin to explore forming a European-led force. This initiative aims to regenerate Ukraine's forces and secure its skies and seas, signifying a collaborative effort to defend Ukraine against potential threats, reported the BBC.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

• Nato members pledge to spend 5% on defence, credited to Trump.
• Tension with Russia rises amid Nato warnings and territorial disputes.
• European allies propose collaborative efforts to support Ukraine.
   

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-12-18

 

 

 

If ass kissing was an Olympic sport, Mark Rutte would win the gold medal. 

The increased spending by NATO countries is one good thing that Trump has done for Europe.

What's the task of the General Secretary of NATO ?  To keep the alliance together. As that means, kissing the ass of the "grab them by the pussy" USA president, .. so be it.

And.. 5 % of GDP... when ? in 2026-7 ? Obvious, as the European defence + industry lacks a lot of capacity. And after, when that Marron and his deputy are out or still in office, the Europeans will have their own defence industry capable to supply, together with the Ukrain experience.

Plus.. switch to European entertainment products, European software, European bank cards, European satelletes, 

What Mark Rutte scared to say was that Nato don't trust Trump to sustain US Nato defense commitment and Trump's weak policy to deter Putin's military aggression.    

On 12/18/2025 at 6:47 AM, webfact said:

Mark Rutte. Courtesy of the Brussels Times | Belga / Eric Lalmand

 

NATO's pledge to allocate 5% of its national output to defence is being hailed as Donald Trump's most significant foreign policy triumph, according to alliance chief Mark Rutte. In a revealing BBC interview, Rutte credited Trump with strengthening NATO, emphasising his positive impact on collective defence and support for Ukraine amid mounting tensions with Russia. The US leader has been vocal about European countries' low defence spending, even threatening to withhold US military protection without increased commitment.

 

Tensions have risen as Nato's chief cautioned about a possible Russian attack on allies within five years—an assertion dismissed by Russia's President Vladimir Putin as "pure nonsense." Putin has accused the West of fabricating a Russian threat, dismissing it as "hysteria." Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin claimed four Ukrainian regions, further solidifying control over much of Luhansk, while demanding Ukraine's retreat from parts of Donetsk.

 

Putin insists on achieving objectives of the so-called "special military operation," potentially by military means if diplomacy fails. Rutte reflects on the insanity of Putin's ambition to reclaim land lost during the Soviet Union era, highlighting the devastating human toll, with 1.1 million Russian casualties. The US's negotiations with Ukraine involve a controversial Trump-proposed peace plan, ceding some territory while offering security guarantees similar to Nato's mutual protection clause.

 

In ongoing discussions, Nato aims to deter further Russian aggression with strong security measures. European allies joined Ukrainian President Zelensky in Berlin to explore forming a European-led force. This initiative aims to regenerate Ukraine's forces and secure its skies and seas, signifying a collaborative effort to defend Ukraine against potential threats, reported the BBC.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

• Nato members pledge to spend 5% on defence, credited to Trump.
• Tension with Russia rises amid Nato warnings and territorial disputes.
• European allies propose collaborative efforts to support Ukraine.
   

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-12-18

 

 

 

Another major win for President Trump!

1 hour ago, BexMan said:

The increased spending by NATO countries is one good thing that Trump has done for Europe.

Or Europe doesn't trust a Trump style U.S.A., ask Canada too.....😏

Doubt trump has that much to do with it,In my view it has much more with Putin being on the March.