Donald Trump causing NATO 'anxiety' after saying alliance is 'obsolete'

Source: Sky News | January 16, 2017 |

Eastern European NATO members are nervous about Moscow after Russia’s annexation of Crimea and involvement in the Ukraine crisis.

Donald Trump’s claim that NATO is “obsolete” has caused “anxiety” among members of the military alliance, says Germany.

Eastern European NATO countries have been nervous about Moscow following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and involvement in the Ukraine crisis.

Mr Trump, who said the organisation was “designed many, many years ago”, complained several nations do not contribute their share financially and criticised its lack of a clear anti-terror strategy.

The US President-elect claimed NATO was “very important” to him but pointed out only five countries were “paying what they’re supposed to. Five. It’s not much”.

The alliance wants members to spend 2% of their gross domestic product on defence. Only the US, UK, Greece, Poland and Estonia do so.

Mr Trump has previously said the US might not come to the defence of NATO allies that do not foot their share of the bill.

German foreign minister Frank Walter Steinmeier said his latest comments about NATO had caused “surprise and anxiety” among members, while Russia said it agreed with the “obsolete” remark.

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