NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the United States is adjusting its pledged contributions to alliance defense plans, not abandoning its European allies.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Wednesday that U.S. reductions in forces assigned to the alliance should not be interpreted as Washington pulling away from Europe.
Rutte made the comments ahead of a meeting of NATO defense ministers, as allies respond to the Trump administration’s decision to reduce some of the military assets it pledges for NATO commanders.
“In some cases this has been cast as a problem — as the U.S. pulling away from its allies. But that is not the reality,” Rutte said.
Washington has told allies it is scaling back some assets made available to NATO as it presses European countries to take “primary responsibility” for their own conventional defense.
“The U.S. has adjusted its pledges to the NATO Force Model,” Rutte said.
“This is not primarily about where forces and assets are currently, but about who would do what if our defence plans were activated,” he added.
U.S. and German media reported that the reductions include roughly one-third of the 150 U.S. F-16 and F-15 fighter jets designated for NATO use. The reported cuts also include refueling and reconnaissance aircraft, bombers and drones.
The reports said the United States is also withdrawing a submarine capable of launching cruise missiles from NATO commitments, along with one of two aircraft carrier groups.
The move has raised concern among some allies that Europe could face capability gaps as Russia remains aggressive and questions continue over President Donald Trump’s long-term commitment to the alliance.
Multiple European diplomats said Europe can replace the capabilities being reduced by the United States, provided allies have enough time to build up their forces and fill the gaps.
Rutte said the previous NATO force structure depended too heavily on Washington.
“Historically this was overly reliant on the U.S. Now the U.S. has adjusted its pledged contributions — and other Allies have stepped up to contribute more,” he said.
Rutte emphasized that the United States has reassured allies about the strength of its nuclear commitment to NATO.
The United States has “made clear that the U.S. nuclear deterrent is solid,” Rutte said.
“And that it is crucial that Europe and Canada do more on the conventional front, understanding that the U.S. has obligations around the globe that it needs to account for,” he added.
The debate comes as NATO leaders prepare for a summit with Trump in Turkey next month. European allies are seeking to demonstrate that they are meeting commitments to increase defense spending and take more responsibility for the continent’s security.
Some officials have worried that the war with Iran could overshadow the Ankara summit after Trump criticized European allies over their response to the conflict.
Rutte praised the U.S.-Iran agreement to end the Middle East war, which European diplomats hope will help settle recent disputes before the NATO gathering.
“The deal President Trump struck has created an opportunity to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon,” Rutte said.
“The restoration of free passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be a massive step forward. I know that many Allies — through the initiative led by France and the U.K. — are ready to support,” he added.
Rutte’s comments framed the U.S. reductions as part of a broader shift in burden-sharing rather than a weakening of NATO. He said Europe and Canada must do more on conventional defense while the United States maintains its nuclear deterrent and accounts for commitments around the world.
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