British News Agency

The White House described these words as "appalling and not serious." Trump made this statement during a campaign conference in Conway, South Carolina, ahead of the upcoming Republican primaries on February 24.

Trump claimed he told the president of a country during an unnamed NATO meeting that under his leadership, the United States will not defend a country "committing a crime."

"One of the presidents of a major country stood up and said, 'But if we don't pay and are attacked by Russia, will you protect us?' I said, 'You didn't pay, did you?'" - Trump said and added:

"No, I wouldn't protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever they want. You have to pay. You have to pay your bills."

In response to a question about Trump's statements, White House spokesman Andrew Bates said:

"Encouraging our closest allies to be occupied by bloodthirsty regimes is appalling and not serious - and jeopardizes American national security, global stability, and our economy."

NATO announced that as of 2022, 7 out of 31 member countries of NATO have complied with those commitments - this number was 3 in 2014. Russia's occupation of Ukraine in 2022 led to increased military spending by some NATO members.