Donald Trump says he would encourage Russia to attack Nato countries who don’t pay ‘bills’

Remarks by former president and presumptive 2024 Republican White House nominee would be ‘music’ to Putin’s ear, critic says

Seeking a second presidency as the Republicans’ presumptive 2024 White House nominee, Donald Trump has said he would “encourage” Russia to attack any of the US’s Nato allies whom he considers to have not met their financial obligations.

Trump made the remarks on Saturday during a campaign rally in Conway, South Carolina, ahead of the state’s Republican presidential preference primary on 24 February.

Agence France-Presse contributed to this report.