Trump's Ukraine aid freeze alarms Norway, sparks NATO debate
Donald Trump's decision to halt aid to Ukraine has caused a real shock in Oslo. Norwegian politicians are discussing a turning point for NATO and the obsolescence of one of the pact's three main goals.
Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik, speaking with NRK, emphasized that if the U.S. stops aiding Kyiv, the situation for Ukraine and Europe will become concerning. He stressed the necessity of strengthening security and support for Ukrainians to boost their negotiating position.
One of NATO's goals "obsolete"
In an interview with NRK, Gen. Robert Mood, former Inspector General of the Norwegian Armed Forces, described the suspension of American aid to Ukraine as a turning point in European history and the most significant moment in transatlantic relations since NATO's founding in 1949.
He recalled that the alliance's first Secretary General, Gen. Hastings Ismay, set three goals for NATO: control over Germany, keep Russia at bay, and maintain close ties with the U.S. According to Mood, the last point has become obsolete.
Guri Melby, head of the Liberals, said Trump has initiated a dark chapter in Europe's history. Meanwhile, Sylvi Listhaug from the Progress Party saw the decision as a call for greater involvement by Norway and the EU in resolving the Ukraine crisis.
Anders Romarheim from the Norwegian Defense Research Institute warned that Washington's decision will have a dramatic impact on Ukrainians. He noted that the U.S. perceives transatlantic values differently than Europe.
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