© EPA/ JIM LO SCALZO / POOL Trump's subsequent declaration concerning Putin, Europe, and NATO at a news briefing.
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, asserted that Vladimir Putin, the Russian autocrat, does not fear European nations, but rather the United States and its military might. He voiced these opinions during a news conference on March 16.
According to the US leader, the United States constitutes the principal power within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
“We are NATO. NATO would fundamentally not exist without the United States. Putin does not fear Europe; he fears the United States. He is apprehensive of the United States of America,” Trump stated.
The President also underscored that Washington is engaged in offering assistance to Ukraine, despite its considerable distance from the United States.
“We safeguard them, we engage with them concerning Ukraine, notwithstanding its location thousands of kilometers distant from us. And, to be candid, we are not required to undertake this,” the American leader remarked.
Trump further mentioned that the United States continues to be the dominant force deterring Russia, while Europe’s contribution to security issues is, in his assessment, inadequate.
This isn’t the first instance of a US president issuing such pronouncements. Earlier in 2026, Trump had already affirmed that the Russian president didn’t fear Europe, but was afraid of the United States — “particularly under his administration.”
Concurrently, Trump has repeatedly conveyed that he maintains a positive relationship with Putin, yet he conceded that he was “greatly disappointed” because he anticipated a swifter resolution to Russia’s war against Ukraine.