As Zelensky Pleads to Biden, Trump Rails Against 'Delinquent' NATO Nations

Former President Donald Trump has issued a statement criticizing NATO leaders and lashed out at supposed "fake news."

The statement comes at the same time that Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, called on President Joe Biden to become the "leader of the world" in his speech to Congress. Zelensky also called for peace as Ukraine continues to fight back Russia's invasion of the country.

Trump's spokesperson, Liz Harrington, posted the former president's latest statement on Twitter on Wednesday.

"People forget so quickly, with the help of the Fake News, that it was me that got the 20 out of 28 delinquent NATO countries to start paying the money that they owed in order to rebuild a floundering NATO," Trump said in his statement.

Trump continued: "Nobody knew things would happen so rapidly, but NATO was poor and now it is rich, and all of the Fake News commentators that said Trump was tearing down NATO should be ashamed of themselves for telling lies.

"Not only was the United States being taken advantage of by the EU on trade, but it was forced to pay the costs of the many delinquent NATO countries."

Trump also criticized former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush for their lack of action and insisted that he "acted strongly" to ensure "owed" money was paid into NATO.

"Bush and Obama did nothing but make speeches and talk, I acted, and acted strongly," Trump continued. "I said to them, 'if you don't pay up, no protection."

"They all paid up, and paid up quickly. It's a story that's never reported, but that's only because we have a corrupt press in our country."

Newsweek has contacted Trump's office for comment.

During Zelensky's speech to Congress on Wednesday, he addressed President Biden directly when asking for help.

"I see no sense in life if it cannot stop the deaths. And this is my main issue as the leader of the people, great Ukrainians, and as the leader of my nation," Zelensky said.

"I am addressing President Biden: You are the leader of the nation, of your great nation. I wish you to be the leader of the world. Being the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace."

Zelensky made a similar plea to European leaders via video link on Tuesday. In his speech, he called for more military support and insisted European leaders would be helping themselves by helping Ukraine.

"We can still stop the Russian war machine. We can still stop the killing of people," Zelensky said. "We all are the targets of Russia and everything will go against Europe if Ukraine won't stand, so I would like to ask you to help yourself by helping us."