Trump's Ukraine aid cut alarms Norway, challenges NATO goals
Donald Trump's decision to halt aid to Ukraine has caused considerable alarm in Oslo. Norwegian politicians describe it as a turning point for NATO and suggest that one of the alliance's three main objectives may be outdated.
Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik, speaking to NRK, emphasised that if the reports about the cessation of US aid to Kyiv are accurate, the implications for Ukraine and Europe would be deeply concerning. He highlighted the necessity of bolstering security and support for Ukrainians, ensuring their strong negotiating position.
One of NATO's goals 'obsolete'
General Robert Mood, former Inspector General of the Norwegian Armed Forces, described the suspension of American aid to Ukraine as a pivotal moment in European history and the most significant development in transatlantic relations since NATO's founding in 1949. He recalled that the first Secretary-General of the Alliance, General Hastings Ismay, outlined three primary goals for NATO: to keep Germany under control, Russia at bay, and the United States engaged. According to Mood, the latter point has now become obsolete.
Guri Melby, leader of the Liberals, remarked that Trump has initiated a dark chapter in European history. Meanwhile, Sylvi Listhaug of the Progress Party interpreted the decision as a call for greater involvement by Norway and the EU in resolving the Ukraine crisis.
Anders Romarheim, from the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, warned that Washington's decision will have severe consequences for Ukrainians. He noted that transatlantic values are understood differently in the USA than in Europe.
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