Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte gestures at a press conference in Berlin, Germany, on November 4, 2024. — Reuters

Nato will remain united regardless of the outcome of the US election, according to the alliance's secretary general, Mark Rutte, who spoke in Berlin on Monday. As Washington's allies anxiously await the results of the vote, Rutte assured that Nato's unity will be maintained. "Whoever emerges victorious in these elections, we will collaborate with Kamala Harris, we will collaborate with Donald Trump, and ensure that the alliance remains united," Rutte stated alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Rutte expressed confidence that the election winner would continue to support Nato, emphasizing that it is "in the interest of the United States." Western allies are apprehensive about potential turbulence for the defense alliance, which was established at the onset of the Cold War, should Trump secure victory in Tuesday's closely contested election. The alliance faced challenges during Trump's 2017-2021 presidency due to his criticism of allies for insufficient spending on joint defense. In February, Trump threatened to encourage the Russians to act as they please towards Nato allies who do not increase their contributions. Meanwhile, Harris has frequently referenced Trump's remarks while promising, like President Joe Biden, to work with allies and uphold Nato.

Western allies also worry that a Trump presidency could lead to a reduction in US military aid for Ukraine, which has been a driving force behind Nato's support for Kyiv and its largest supporter. Rutte highlighted the significance of reports about North Korean troops in Russia, stressing the importance of doing "everything we can to keep not only the Euro-Atlantic but also the Indo-Pacific safe." He described Pyongyang's support as a "very serious development and an escalation," motivating Nato to increase its efforts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently requested Nato membership as part of his "Victory Plan" presented to Western allies. Rutte noted that bilateral security agreements signed between several countries and Ukraine serve as "a bridge to Nato membership in the longer term." He is "absolutely convinced that one day Ukraine will be a member of Nato."

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