FT: Trump team tells EU, NATO officials Ukraine aid will continue

Donald Trump's team has informed European officials that the Republican intends to push NATO countries to increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP while continuing military aid to Ukraine, as was reported by the Financial Times, citing sources.

During his campaign, Trump pledged to halt aid to Ukraine, force Kyiv into immediate peace talks, and jeopardize the security of NATO allies if they failed to meet defense spending obligations, journalists noted.

However, according to FT sources, Trump aims to reassure allies concerned about Ukraine's support without U.S. aid. He plans to maintain military assistance to Kyiv following his inauguration.

Additionally, Trump will demand a significant increase in NATO defense spending—from the current 2% of GDP target, met by only 23 of the alliance's 32 members, to 5%. One source indicated that Trump may settle for 3.5% and intends to link higher defense spending with proposals for more favorable trade terms with the United States.