Trump Says ‘Ukraine Would Have Been Over in One Day’ Without US Aid, Hints at NATO Shift
As Europe balks on calls to help open the Strait of Hormuz, Trump questions the NATO allies’ commitment to helping the US and bemoans the scale of US spending on NATO over the years.
Kyiv Post
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US President Donald Trump said he is “disappointed” with NATO and suggested the United States could reconsider its relationship with the alliance, including the possibility of withdrawal.
Speaking to reporters, Trump bemoaned the scale of US spending on NATO, saying Washington has spent “many trillions of dollars” over the years while not always receiving adequate support in return.
“It’s one of the reasons we have deficits… when they don’t help us, it’s certainly something that we should think about,” he said.
Trump also claimed he has the authority to make decisions regarding US participation in NATO without congressional approval, though he added he would likely still consult lawmakers.
“I don’t need Congress for that decision… I can make that decision myself,” he said.
While noting he does not currently have a plan to withdraw, Trump signaled dissatisfaction with allied contributions, particularly regarding Ukraine.
“I’m not exactly thrilled when we help them with Ukraine,” he said.
Trump went on to claim that Ukraine would not have withstood Russia’s invasion without US assistance.
“Look, Ukraine would have been over in one day if we didn’t help. Frankly, Ukraine would have been over in the first day,” he said, adding that Kyiv relied on “the best equipment in the world” supplied by the US.
The strike posed “major risks” to the river that supplies about 80% of Moldova’s water and 98% of that received by the capital, Chișinău, the country’s foreign ministry said.
As per the Reuters report, Trump said most NATO allies had informed Washington they did not want to get involved in the US-linked military operation involving Iran, calling the stance a “very foolish mistake.”
Speaking during a White House meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin on St. Patrick’s Day, Trump said allies broadly supported US and Israeli actions but were unwilling to participate directly.
“I think NATO is making a very foolish mistake. Everyone agrees with us, but they don’t want to help… we as the United States have to remember that,” he said.
Despite the criticism, Trump said he has “nothing currently in mind” when asked whether he would retaliate against NATO allies for their position.
Earlier, Trump called on partner nations to help secure the Strait of Hormuz – a key route for roughly 20% of global oil shipments – after Iran responded to US-Israeli strikes by targeting shipping with drones, missiles, and naval mines.
However, several US allies on Monday signaled they have no immediate plans to deploy naval forces, effectively rejecting the request.
Earlier, Trump wrote on Truth Social that due to what he described as US military success, Washington no longer “needs” NATO assistance, adding: “WE NEVER DID!”
Notably, he criticized Iran over disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Tehran of continuing hostile actions despite what he described as a decisive US campaign.
“So, it’s a little unfair. You know, you win a war, but they have no right to be doing what they’re doing,” Trump said, adding that US strikes had significantly weakened Iran’s military.
According to two senior White House officials, Iranian representatives recently reached out to Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and other officials to reopen diplomatic channels.
Trump reportedly instructed his team not to engage for now, despite signals he may be open to talks later.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any recent contact, saying his last communication with Witkoff came before what he called a US decision to abandon diplomacy.
“Any claim to the contrary appears geared solely to mislead oil traders and the public,” he wrote on X, underscoring ongoing tensions and the lack of direct communication between Washington and Tehran.
Julia Struck is a Deputy Head of News and correspondent for Kyiv Post who has previously worked as a parliamentary editor, journalist, and news editor. She has specialized in covering the work of the Ukrainian parliament, government, and law enforcement agencies.
