Published on 6/17/2026
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte denied that the United States was abandoning its allies by announcing a reduction in the number of forces and assets it placed at the alliance’s disposal, stressing that Washington had reformulated its commitments in line with the model of NATO forces.
Rutte stressed – in statements on the eve of a meeting of NATO defense ministers on Wednesday – that what is being portrayed as a crisis and an American abandonment of the allies is not accurate, explaining that the United States has modified its pledges to move from focusing on the current locations of forces to focusing on the specific roles and tasks of each country if the alliance’s defense plans are activated.
The Secretary-General stressed that the United States has made clear that “the American nuclear deterrent is solid,” noting that it is necessary for Europe and Canada to bear primary responsibility for conventional defenses, especially since Washington has other global security obligations that it must take into account.
American discounts
According to American and German media reports, the American cuts include a third of NATO’s designated F-16 and F-15 aircraft (out of 150 aircraft), as well as a reduction in the numbers of refueling, reconnaissance, bombers, and drones, in addition to the withdrawal of a submarine capable of launching cruise missiles, and one of the two aircraft carrier groups allocated to the alliance.
This step raised concerns in European circles about the possibility of leaving the continent vulnerable to risks in light of the security challenges associated with Russia, and questions about US President Donald Trump’s commitment to the alliance.
On the other hand, European diplomats confirmed their ability to fill these defense gaps over time, which Rutte reinforced by saying: “Historically, reliance on the United States has been excessive, and now other countries have intensified their efforts to contribute more.”
NATO leaders are preparing for an upcoming summit with President Trump in Turkey next month, through which European countries aim to prove their commitment to increasing defense spending, while these preparations come amid relief from the recent US-Iranian agreement to end the war in the Middle East.
In this context, Rutte praised the agreement, considering that it creates an opportunity to ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon, stressing the readiness of many allies to support efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which may contribute to calming the differences that have recently emerged between Washington and its European allies due to differing positions towards the previous conflict.
