https://arab.news/ygddz
- 鈥淣ATO is still a solution in search of a problem,鈥� Christopher Landau wrote in a social media thread
- He was replying to a query by Matthew Whitaker, the US ambassador to NATO
WASHINGTON: The number two US diplomat questioned the need for NATO in a post on X 鈥� which he later deleted 鈥� as the alliance prepares for an annual summit expected to be dominated by a US demand for higher defense spending and Russia鈥檚 war on Ukraine.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau was replying to a social media thread by Matthew Whitaker, the US ambassador to NATO. Whitaker in his post said that what happened in the Indo-Pacific mattered for transatlantic security.
鈥淗e obviously didn鈥檛 get the memo our of our Deputies Committee meeting on this very issue,鈥� Landau wrote at 6:56 p.m. on Wednesday, referring to Whitaker. 鈥淣ATO is still a solution in search of a problem.鈥�
It was not clear if Landau meant for his message to be public or if he intended to send Whitaker鈥檚 post to a third person.
鈥淭his was a casual, lighthearted remark intended for a brief, private exchange,鈥� a State Department spokesperson said in emailed comments.
鈥淭he Deputy Secretary鈥檚 comment was in the context of his desire to improve NATO and ensure it remains focused on its mission,鈥� the spokesperson said.
Landau鈥檚 post was later deleted. The Deputies Committee is subordinate to the National Security Council and composed of deputy secretaries of State, Defense and other agencies, according to the White House website.
The administration of former President Joe Biden had pushed the European allies to pay more attention to the threats in the Indo-Pacific, particularly from China, but the Trump administration has encouraged those allies to focus on their own security.
Landau鈥檚 post contrasts with views of most of NATO鈥檚 European members, who see Russia and its war on Ukraine as an existential threat, and the US-led alliance as their main means of defense.
His post came as NATO leaders prepare for a two-day summit in the Hague beginning on June 24, where they will consider US President Donald Trump鈥檚 demand that they boost defense spending to 5 percent of GDP.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend the meeting. Since Russia鈥檚 full-scale invasion in February 2022, he regularly has attended NATO summits, and alliance members have pledged billions in weapons and condemned Russia for an illegal war of conquest.
Trump has shifted US policy, partially accepting Moscow鈥檚 justifications for its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and disparaging Zelensky.
European allies have expressed concern about Trump鈥檚 commitment to the 32-member alliance and its support for Ukraine鈥檚 battle against Russia鈥檚 occupation forces.