The Council of the Russian Federation commented on Rutte's idea to strengthen NATO defense at the expense of pensions

European NATO countries are ready to reduce social payments to citizens, including pensions, because they understand that US President-elect Donald Trump will demand an increase in defense spending and cut aid to Ukraine. This was stated by First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Vladimir Dzhabarov in a conversation with Izvestia on December 12.

Earlier in the day, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called for directing part of pensions and social payments in Europe to weapons production, making it clear that the North Atlantic Alliance's military spending should exceed 3% of GDP.

"NATO is aimed at continuing the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, it is investing a lot of money in this. And it is clear that there is not enough money, also Trump demands that each country pay from 2% of GDP. And who do they usually take money from? Social services, of course. I think that people in many NATO countries will not like such a proposal by Rutte," Jabarov commented.

He expressed confidence that such proposals will turn into problems for the Western countries with their own citizens. Thus, the senator emphasized, the Russian side is not gloating, but reminds of its warning - there will be no "easy ride" in the fight against the Russian Federation. Now Western countries are reaping the fruits of their own actions, because it was they who ignited the conflict, the interlocutor of the publication emphasized.

"What Europe has been proud of for many years - a high level of social support for the population, high salaries, high pensions, benefits - all this will slowly disappear and shrink," the politician summarized.

Earlier, on November 7, Rutte said that the alliance countries will spend more than 2% of GDP on defense, as Trump demanded. He noted that the American leader in his previous presidential term was right in saying that NATO countries should spend more than 2% on defense.

Then, on Dec. 8, Trump said that the U.S. could withdraw from NATO. He noted that if the alliance "pays its bills," the States would remain within NATO. In addition, he emphasized that the fulfillment of financial obligations by allies will be a key condition for Washington's continued participation in the alliance.