President Donald Trump disappointed in NATO. But the Alliance needs to be kept at all costs, since its disintegration will be an excellent gift for the "bloodthirsty" President Vladimir Putin of Russia. This was stated by the chairman of the Munich conference on security, the former German ambassador to London and Washington, Wolfgang Ischinger. "If the Trump administration seriously questions the US support and leadership in NATO, the United States will present the largest gift to Vladimir Putin in his entire life," said the politician, whose words are quoted by The Times.

In his opinion, the reduction of US participation in the alliance will send a "catastrophic signal" and will become the "greatest mistake" of the head of the White House. The German authorities understand that all the countries of the alliance should increase spending on military needs. Nevertheless, the Germans and other members of the association can not "instantly" fulfill the demands of the American president, Ischinger noted.. The government of Angela Merkel by 2024. pledged to increase military spending from 1.24% to 1.5%. It is unlikely that in the next ten years the Germans will be able to allocate for defense the Americans required 2% of GDP. It is expected that this year only eight of the 29 NATO countries, including the United States and Great Britain, will spend 2% of their GDP on defense. "We can not do anything to truly impress Donald Trump. We are unlikely to be able to weaken American dissatisfaction in one day. Strengthening defense is a long-term process, "the representative of Germany. Ischinger is of the opinion that one should not look at the amount allocated for defense purposes, but on the quality of spending. "If you spend on defense 15% or 20% a year, it will not be very reasonable expenditure, because to spend all these funds you will have to paint all the military buildings again," said the ex-diplomat. Since taking office, the head of the White House has repeatedly criticized Germany for not spending 2% of GDP on defense.

A few weeks ago, he promised to "sort out" the countries that do not meet this requirement. Trump's position raises anxiety and concern not only for the chairman of the Munich conference, but also for the authorities of several European states. They fear that at the upcoming July summit of the North Atlantic alliance, Donald Trump can reduce US commitments to the bloc or make an ultimatum regarding US participation in the defense of Europe.