NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addresses media ahead of an allied defense ministers meeting on Thursday (NATO)
BELFAST — The US decision to reduce its NATO Force Model contribution is not a “problem” or a sign that Washington is loosening ties with other members of the organization, the alliance’s top official insisted today.
Rather, a “positive” picture is emerging as allies attempt to fill the gap in troop numbers and assets left to be replaced by the US move, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said at a press conference in Brussels.
In the wake of Washington’s change of heart regarding its presence in Europe, Rutte noted that “other allies have stepped up to contribute more, in some cases completely,” in replacing US personnel or capabilities. However, he warned that other areas still required more work to be filled.
Asked if he expected the US to be fully involved in a future war against Russia, the NATO official told reporters that the issue “is not about where forces and assets are currently located, it’s about who would do what…if our defense plans were activated,” under the alliance’s Article 5 collective defense clause.
