“Russia wants to negotiate with Biden instead of Trump. They’re scared.”
I suspect Trump’s threats to “end the war” are a bargaining strategy to force NATO into shouldering more or even most of the costs of the war. NATO is trying to dabble with a donation here and a gift there to prevent them from having to alter the socialist pay-people-to-not-protest cultures. NATO wants the US to shoulder the whole cost, so they don’t have to. That won’t fly with Trump.
President Trump has always understood the meaning of Peace Through Strength.
“NATO wants the US to shoulder the whole cost...”
That is so NOT true. NATO has already given almost as many $billions as we have. The EU wants to give another multi$billion package. The hold-up is Putin’s buddy Orban in Hungary. Now another recently elected far right leader in a small country (Slovakia?) is joining Orban in the hold-up. Several countries, I think Poland at 4% GDP, have increased their contributions above the 2% stated goal which more of the NATO countries are now paying than before.
As to our contribution, a lot of it is arms which are obsolete and approaching their use or decomission date. The latter are being used for their original purpose, keeping Russia in check. Several countries have ordered our newer equipment. Poland wanting 500 Abrams tanks I believe. We have a shipping cost rather than a dismantling cost, and are freeing up space for new equipment rather than buying/renting more space. Also, what we are actually recording as spent is the brand new replacement cost with upgrades, rather than the old, obsolete merchandize value. It is only around 5 or 6% of our total military budget. to keep a territory hungry dictator in check.