The United States is not stepping back from NATO despite its cuts to forces available to the alliance, and European members are prepared to contribute more troops if necessary, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Wednesday.
His statement, ahead of a NATO defense ministers' meeting on Thursday, came after the US told allies last month it would cut the military assets committed to the alliance in a crisis.
Rutte defends US cuts to NATO force model
"In some cases this has been cast as a problem — as the US pulling away from its allies," he said. "But that is not the reality. The US has made clear that it is committed to NATO."
He said the commitment came with the expectation that other members would share responsibility for Europe's security .
Rutte called NATO historically "overly reliant" on the US and said a reduction in its contributions would actually strengthen the alliance.
"Other allies have stepped up to contribute more, and this is fair," he said. "This makes us stronger."
Denmark announced on Wednesday that it would deploy a battalion of 850 troops in the Baltic region in the autumn.
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Allies fill gap left by US
Rutte added that while the US had "adjusted its pledge," the decision did not affect where forces currently are, only "who would do what if our defense plans were activated."
"There are also areas that require more work, but the overall picture is looking good," he said.
US and German media reported that the cuts include a third of the 150 US F-16 and F-15 jets designated for NATO, as well as refueling and reconnaissance aircraft, bombers and drones. A submarine that can launch cruise missiles is also reportedly being taken out, along with one of two aircraft carrier groups.
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NATO heads to meet in Ankara
Following Thursday's meeting of defense ministers, the next major NATO summit will take place in July, when the heads of the alliance's 32 members meet in Turkey.
Continued support for Ukraine as the full-scale Russian invasion continues and European NATO members making good on pledges to increase defense spending will be high on the agenda in Ankara.
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Edited by: Rana Taha
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