NATO expresses concerns over Russia-US talks

(MENAFN) European NATO members are worried that the ongoing high-level talks between the US and Russia could weaken the US-led military alliance, especially with the US potentially reducing its military presence in Europe. According to Western diplomats cited by AFP, the discussions in Saudi Arabia and Türkiye aim to resolve the Ukraine conflict and improve diplomatic ties between Washington and Moscow, with another round of talks expected.

These developments have raised concerns among NATO members, especially as signals from Washington suggest it may scale back its commitment to Europe. US President Donald Trump’s outreach to Russia has fueled fears that this could signal a strategic shift that would undermine the alliance. NATO diplomats emphasized that maintaining strong US involvement in the bloc is crucial for its strength.

European countries are already ramping up military spending, partly in response to Trump’s calls for NATO members to significantly increase their defense budgets. NATO officials are hoping the US-Russia talks are a tactical maneuver to end the conflict, rather than a long-term change in policy. However, if the shift is strategic, it could pose a significant threat to the alliance’s unity and future.

Trump has previously commented that NATO expansion and its approach to Ukraine during Joe Biden’s presidency were major factors leading to the conflict with Russia, which Moscow views as a direct threat to its security. Despite NATO's concerns, Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have denied any intentions to attack the alliance, dismissing such claims as baseless.

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