Rutte Downplays US NATO Cutbacks as Allies Move to Replace 1,000-Plus KFOR Troops
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 17
Rutte Downplays US NATO Cutbacks as Allies Move to Replace 1,000-Plus KFOR Troops
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 17
Summary
June 3 U.S. cutbacks to NATO war plans — including an aircraft carrier, refueling planes and dozens of fighters — prompted the alliance’s top commander to draft backup plans for Europe’s defense.
Mark Rutte said the move does not mean more U.S. troops are leaving Europe now; it changes what Washington would contribute if Article 5 defense plans were activated.
Gen. Alex Grynkewich believes other allies can cover much of the shortfall, and Rutte said the overall picture looks good even though some withheld assets are scarce in Europe.
By the July 7-8 NATO summit in Ankara, allies must show how they will replace the missing capabilities as Washington shifts attention toward China and the Indo-Pacific.
More than 1,000 personnel will also leave NATO’s Kosovo force, where the U.S. now has 590 troops, underscoring that some drawdowns are already happening.