Rutte breaks silence on whether Trump leaves NATO
Donald Trump, Mark Rutte (photo: Getty Images)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte believes that a US withdrawal from the North Atlantic Alliance is unlikely. However, he stressed that the bloc needs strengthening.
Rutte's statement comes as US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO over what he sees as the Alliance's unwillingness to support him in the war against Iran.
The Secretary General says he does not see a likelihood that the United States will leave NATO, adding that President Trump is clearly frustrated with some NATO members, which is understandable.
He also notes that a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO is needed, calling for a boost in the defense industry to better protect the Alliance. According to him, there is nothing wrong with investing in defense; it is crucial for maintaining deterrence and security, since the defense industry plays a central role in ensuring security.
The NATO chief also commented on nuclear deterrence, saying the US nuclear umbrella remains the main security guarantee in Europe. He expressed confidence that this will continue.
At the same time, he added that France's and the UK's nuclear weapons also have a deterrent effect and contribute to the overall security of the Alliance.
As Mark Rutte concluded, NATO's nuclear deterrence is a strong and necessary element of collective defense, comprising an appropriate mix of nuclear and conventional capabilities, missile defense, and space and cyber capabilities.
US leaving NATO
In early April, US President Donald Trump said he was seriously considering leaving NATO. He cited the Alliance's refusal to join the US operation against Iran as the reason.
At the same time, according to CNN, NATO officials do not "feel excessive concern" about the American leader's threats to leave the Alliance. One European official called it a Groundhog Day scenario, as the military-political bloc has heard similar statements from Trump before.
However, in recent days, media reports have suggested that Europe, in response to the threat of a US withdrawal from NATO, has begun secretly preparing a plan to defend itself against Russia independently, without American troops or security guarantees.
