Rubio Urges NATO Allies to Face Reality of U.S. Military Drawdown in Europe
Helsingborg – U.S. Secretary of State Rubio urged NATO allies on Friday to confront the reality of the United States reducing its military presence in Europe. According to AFP, Rubio hinted that Washington will soon announce a reduction in the number of troops it can deploy to NATO in emergency situations.
Previously, NATO had been attempting to ease tensions with U.S. President Trump ahead of the July summit.
Following Trump’s fierce criticism of NATO allies’ response to an Iran war scenario, the U.S. government has issued a series of statements over the past month regarding troop adjustments on the European continent, leaving European nations confused.
As foreign ministers of NATO members convened in Helsingborg, Sweden, Trump announced a deployment of 5,000 additional soldiers to Poland. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Poland’s Foreign Minister welcomed this shift, but it has also intensified concerns about lack of coordination between the U.S. and its NATO allies in confronting the threat from Russia.
AFP reported that multiple NATO ministers agreed that as Washington shifts focus toward other threats, the U.S. troop withdrawal was expected, while Europe is simultaneously strengthening its defense posture.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said: “It’s crucial that this process proceeds in an orderly manner so that when the U.S. reduces its presence in the EU, Europe can grow stronger.”
Source: rfi
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