U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sought to reassure NATO partners concerned about continuing and future U.S. force deployments, saying Washington still backs the alliance.
Rubio, speaking with European allies in a diplomatic setting, stressed that the United States is strongly committed to NATO, even as Washington continues to address issues of force posture, burden-sharing and global military priorities.
Several NATO member countries have raised worries about probable changes in the presence of US troops in Europe amid changing security threats, including tensions with Russia and instability in Eastern Europe, diplomatic sources say.
Rubio reportedly sought to allay those fears by emphasizing that any adjustments in deployment strategy would not signify a retreat of support, but rather a strategic re-alignment intended at boosting efficiency and readiness across several theatres.
He also emphasised the importance of NATO unity and urged partners to keep raising their own defence spending and operational contributions in line with agreed obligations.
The reassurances come at a critical time for the alliance, as member states grapple with shifting geopolitical circumstances and ongoing discussions about the long-term security architecture of Europe.
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