When asked if Vladimir Putin could attack a NATO associate in the coming years, Bolton stated that if Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Alliance — Russia could decide to do so.
— I think that if Trump withdraws from NATO, and I fear that this is simply a real possibility, or if he weakens NATO adequate that the commitment under Article 5 will lose its strength, then I think the Russians could go along with it," he said.
He besides added that Moscow has aspirations for many another territories of the erstwhile Russian Empire, listing Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Belarus.
— Even before attacking NATO, they have quite a few another "pieces" to collect, but if I were Baltic republics or Poland or any another Central European country, I would definitely fear this powerfully weakened NATO. With all due respect to your friends in western Europe, I fear they will not be able to balance the power of the United States," he added.
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Poland must attract Trump's attention
According to Bolton, the Polish authorities should consider how to convince the president of the United States that further membership of NATO and support for Poland is in his individual interest. erstwhile asked if the fact that Poland spends as much as 4% of GDP on defence could be a adequate argument for Trump to keep American soldiers in our country, he expressed hope that this is the case.
— If Poland is incapable to keep the U.S.'s attention, I do not know what country in Europe it would be able to do," he said.
Former advisor noted that the possible decision to retreat the US from NATO lies solely with Donald Trump. He stressed that it was the president who had a decisive word in this matter.
