Donald Trump stuns US allies by warning he would 'encourage' Russia to attack Western countries

DONALD Trump is said to 'encourage' Russia to attack all Western countries that do not pay NATO's defense bills.

The former American president bragged that he had once put down the leader of a “great country” who asked if that was so America would intervene if an invasion occurred Russia.

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Trump, who was running for president again, told his supporters: “I said, 'You didn't pay? Are you delinquent? No, I wouldn't protect you'.

“Actually, I would encourage them to do whatever they want. You have to pay.”

A White House A spokesperson noted Saturday's comments during a meeting South Carolina “terrible and unhinged” and a threat to global security.

Trump, 77, has claimed that too much American money is being spent protecting 30 NATO countries and accused some of not spending enough on defense.

He has also alarmed allies by claiming to have a working relationship with the Russian leader Vladimir Putin while members of his party have blocked vital weapons Ukraine.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said: “Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all our security.

“We expect that regardless of who wins the presidential election, the US will remain a strong and committed ally.”

Trump's outburst came 24 hours later Russian drones have blown up an oil depot in Kharkivkilling seven.

In the meantime, American fighter planes bombarded Houthi rebels in the latest mission to protect shipping in the Red Sea.