During his first administration, Trump said in 2018 that the defense spending goal for NATO should be doubled to 4 percent. While on the campaign trail in the lead-up to the 2024 election, he also accused NATO of relying too much on U.S. contributions.

During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Brussels, NATO leader Mark Rutte urged member states on Wednesday to ramp up their military backing of Kyiv to improve Ukraine's standing over the next month.

President-elect Donald Trump is expected to push U.S. NATO allies to increase their defense spending when he returns to the White House next month.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets NATO chief Mark Rutte and key European leaders in Brussels Wednesday to strategise over Russia's war ahead of Donald Trump's return to power in the United States.

Mark Rutte, the organisation’s secretary general, told the BBC that US president-elect Donald Trump was “right” that there should be more spending on defence. Mr Trump has been critical in the past of European nations relying on US military protection while not spending enough on their own defence.

Trump plans to push Nato allies to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP while continuing aid to Ukraine, marking a significant shift in his foreign policy approach

The command has taken over the coordination of military aid for Ukraine from the United States. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the possibility of Donald Trump initiating an effort to end Russia’s war, but warned against pushing for a ceasefire agreement that could easily unravel.

The Russian leader said the Kremlin is prepared to negotiate, but stressed it would not settle for a temporary ceasefire.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will host Volodymyr Zelenskiy and several European leaders at his residence in Brussels on Wednesday evening to discuss how to support Ukraine ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

The meeting with Nato Chief Mark Rutte and other key European leaders comes a month before Trump reclaims the US presidency, amid fears that Trump could pull US support for Kyiv.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready and willing to meet with President-elect Trump if he “wants it” after four years without communication. “What can I offer to the President-elect