Donald Trump has sharply criticised Nato following a tense meeting with the alliance’s secretary general, Mark Rutte, saying the organisation “wasn’t there” over Iran. The remarks came as Rutte said Trump was “clearly disappointed” with the alliance, while US media reported that the White House is considering a plan to “punish” some Nato members.
The exchange adds to ongoing strain between Trump and the transatlantic alliance, with the president once again signalling frustration over the role Nato has played in recent international crises. The comments were made after the meeting with Rutte, but the source report does not provide further detail on what was discussed.
Questions over Hungary’s contacts with Russia
Elsewhere in Europe, fresh attention has turned to Hungary after leaked recordings raised concerns about the country’s contacts with Russia. French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot accused Hungary of “betrayal of the solidarity required between countries of the European Union” after the latest revelations about Hungarian foreign minister Péter Szijjártó.
The recordings, obtained by a consortium of investigative reporters, reportedly appear to show Szijjártó offering to send Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov a document concerning Ukraine’s EU accession. The source material does not give any additional context for the recording, but the leak has intensified political criticism of Budapest’s dealings with Moscow.
The episode has further complicated relations inside the European Union, where solidarity over Ukraine remains a central issue. Barrot’s remarks reflect a broader concern among some European governments about whether Hungary’s approach aligns with the bloc’s position.
Political pressure on Nato and the EU
The developments come at a moment of heightened political pressure on both Nato and the European Union. Trump’s comments suggest fresh dissatisfaction with the alliance, while the reported White House deliberations indicate that Washington may be weighing stronger action against some members.
At the same time, the Hungary controversy is likely to deepen tensions within the EU over how members engage with Russia and how united the bloc remains on Ukraine. The latest disclosures have put renewed focus on Hungary’s stance and the diplomatic implications of the reported exchange involving Szijjártó and Lavrov.
With criticism building on both sides of the Atlantic, the day’s developments underscore the fragile political balance facing Western institutions as they navigate the wars and rivalries shaping Europe’s security landscape.
