U.S. President Donald Trump answered journalists’ questions after a presidential decree signing ceremony at the Oval Office. In his remarks, he addressed the possibility of Russia attacking NATO territory and potential sanctions against Moscow.
Trump said he had held productive talks with Vladimir Putin and expressed his belief that Russia would not attack NATO territory. Saying he did not believe Russia would take such a step, Trump shared his view on the debate over a potential attack on NATO territory.
Sanctions against Moscow will depend on the circumstances
Trump also assessed the latest talks between Russia and Iran on Iran’s nuclear program, saying whether sanctions would be imposed on Moscow because of the process would depend on the circumstances. Trump said they would closely monitor developments.
Question about Chinese banks
Trump was also asked why sanctions had not been imposed on Chinese banks said to have close ties with Iran. The U.S. president asked how they knew he had not imposed sanctions and said he was not required to disclose everything he did to the public.
Claim about Ratcliffe’s visit to Russia
CIA Director John Ratcliffe was alleged to have made a secret visit to Russia aimed at warning Russian officials to avoid attacks on NATO member states and the Baltic states.
U.S. officials had claimed that the visit took place after recent assessments by U.S. intelligence. Those assessments alleged that Vladimir Putin could test NATO’s resolve by attacking an allied country within several years.