Richard Grenell, U.S. special envoy, criticized Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar over her support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Slovenia’s low defense spending within NATO.
Pirc Musar had taken to X to express her disapproval of the tense meeting between Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that what transpired at the White House undermined the foundations of diplomacy. She reaffirmed Slovenia’s strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Grenell responded by pointing out that Slovenia is among NATO members spending the least on defense. “You committed to paying 2% in 2014, yet now you only contribute 1.29%. Nothing undermines NATO more than failing to pay your fair share,” he emphasized.