NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said pending US troop downsizing in Europe will not affect NATO defensive readiness. He characterized the planned reduction of 4,000 to 5,000 troops as rotational forces that do not change NATO defense plans. His comments followed renewed US criticism of the alliance after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the US-Israeli war in Iran. Trump threatened to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, though the move was described as practically impossible and more related to forward operating units for deployment in Africa and the Middle East. US officials clarified that deployments to Poland were delayed rather than canceled. Rutte also said the US will pivot more toward Asia in a structured, gradual way.
"“When it comes to the announcement, the 4,000 to 5,000 it is rotational forces not having an impact on NATO's defense plans,” the military alliance's leader told reporters."
"“We know that adjustments will take place. The US has to pivot more towards, for example, Asia. This will take place over time and in a structured way.”"
"Trump said the US would immediately withdraw 5,000 US troops from the country something that is practically impossible and would greatly decrease US power projection as these troops do not primarily protect Germany but rather are stationed as forward operating units ready for deployment mainly in Africa and the Middle East."
"To clarify confusion over the president's threat to withdraw forces from Germany and later Poland, Vice President JD Vance said the deployment of 4,000 troops to Poland had been delayed not canceled, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio was set to meet with European NATO members in Sweden this week."
Read at www.dw.com
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