The European Council President Charles Michel reacted to former US President Donald Trump’s remarks that he would not intervene in any Russian attack against allies that did not fulfill their financial obligations to NATO.

“Reckless statements on NATO’s security and Article 5 solidarity serve only (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s interest. They do not bring more security or peace to the world.

On the contrary, they reemphasise the need for the (EU) to urgently further develop its strategic autonomy and invest in its defence. And to keep our Alliance strong”, - said Michel on X.

On Saturday, Trump said in his speech in the US state of South Carolina that when he was president, he had warned that he would not intervene in case of any Russian attack on allies that did not meet their financial obligations to NATO.