New York — On Wednesday in New York, Republican presidential contender Donald Trump will meet Polish President Andrzej Duda.
A source confirmed the dinner meeting as European leaders prepare for a Trump victory in November and return to the White House. Given Trump's lengthy history of criticism of NATO, even after Russia invaded Ukraine, NATO leaders are extremely concerned.
The person talked anonymously since they were not permitted to speak. Poland borders Ukraine and is a NATO member. Right-wing populist Duda, whose term ends in 2025, wants the US to fund Ukraine to fight Russian aggression. Trump has opposed such assistance, but late last week, he said he may consider a loan.
This week, Trump begins his criminal hush money trial in New York, which has severely curtailed his campaign. The first former U.S. president to face criminal charges.
Washington Republicans are disagreeing on a huge foreign aid plan for Ukraine, Israel, and other friends. Trump's “Make America Great Again” movement has criticized Ukraine funding, reflecting the GOP's softer attitude on Russia since Trump's election.
Trump has called Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine “smart” and “savvy.” In February, he shocked the world by saying at a rally that he would “encourage” Russia to “do whatever the hell they want” to NATO nations who didn't pay enough on defense. He threatened again days later.
This would violate Article 5, which declares that an armed attack on one NATO member or more is an attack on all. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, a NATO member and longtime supporter of Ukraine, met with Trump at the former president's Florida resort earlier this month before meeting with Antony Blinken.
Russian allies in Europe have courted Trump. Last month, Trump met secretly with Hungary's dictator prime minister, Viktor Orban, who has the closest relationship with Russia in the EU.
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