Trump: Putin Fears the U.S., Not Europe

U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not fear Europe, but rather maintains a deep-seated respect and fear of the United States. He made these remarks during a speech in Washington on March 16, 2026.

According to Trump, the core strength of NATO lies solely within the United States.

"NATO is us. Just ask Putin. He has no fear of Europe whatsoever. He fears the United States and the military that I built during my first term," Trump stated.

These comments follow a recent interview with the Financial Times, in which Trump warned that the future of NATO could be "very bad" if allies do not assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz. He called upon the United Kingdom, France, and other European nations, as well as China, Japan, and South Korea, to join efforts in reopening the strait. This vital maritime route handles approximately one-fifth of the world's global oil supply.

Despite these calls for a unified front, several NATO member states have yet to provide practical support for the initiative.

Additionally, Trump noted that the United States is continuing to work with its allies toward a peaceful settlement of the war in Ukraine, though he emphasized that American leadership remains the decisive factor in global security.