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Home News World Europe A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) ms New for subscribers! Gift this article to friends and family for free. Got it! flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : niagarafallsreview.ca sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/niagara_falls_review bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar : By Lorne Cook The Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential …

US allies at NATO focus on Europe as the Trump administration steps back NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, second left, introduces United States Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, center, to military staff during a meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Defense Ministers Session at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) By Associated Press PUBLISHED: February 12, 2026 at 9:59 AM EST | UPDATED: February 12, 2026 at 11:47 AM EST Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By LORNE COOK, Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — European allies at NATO on Thursday brushed aside concerns that the United States has stepped back from its leadership role of the world’s biggest security organization , leaving them and Canada to do the lion’s share of defending Europe. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not attend Thursday’s gathering of defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels. His no-show came after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio skipped the last meeting of NATO foreign ministers in December. It’s rare for members of a U.S. administration to miss a meeting of the organization’s top decision-making body, the…

Nato ‘stronger and more united’ after Ankara summit, Starmer says By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during the Nato Summit in Ankara, Turkey (Alastair Grant/PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Sir Keir Starmer said Nato is “stronger and more united” coming out of the Ankara summit, with Donald Trump praising its “spirit”, despite the US president’s criticism of the alliance threatening to overshadow the meeting. The Prime Minister said leaders “achieved what we wanted to achieve, which is unity”, even after Mr Trump earlier threatened to relate his problems, including over Greenland and Iran, at the meeting. Mr Trump berated European states for failing to pay enough for defence, a key issue at the summit, with Nato general-secretary Mark Rutte calling on allies to present “credible” plans for reaching the target of spending 5% of GDP on defence. Suggestions that Mr Trump might confront Sir Keir about the absence of a clear path to reaching that target in last…

NATO Secretary General says US not 'pulling away' from allies NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addresses media ahead of an allied defense ministers meeting on Thursday (NATO) BELFAST — The US decision to reduce its NATO Force Model contribution is not a “problem” or a sign that Washington is loosening ties with other members of the organization, the alliance’s top official insisted today. Rather, a “positive” picture is emerging as allies attempt to fill the gap in troop numbers and assets left to be replaced by the US move, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said at a press conference in Brussels. In the wake of Washington’s change of heart regarding its presence in Europe, Rutte noted that “other allies have stepped up to contribute more, in some cases completely,” in replacing US personnel or capabilities. However, he warned that other areas still required more work to be filled. Asked if he expected the US to be fully involved in a future war against Russia, the NATO official told reporters that the issue “is not about where forces and assets are currently located, it’s about who would do what…if our defense plans were activated,” under the alliance’s Article 5 collective defe…

Allies filling gaps in NATO crisis forces left by US, Rutte says Allies filling gaps in NATO crisis forces left by US, Rutte says Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte holds a press conference ahead of a Defence Ministers meeting at the Alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium June 17, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman Published Jun 17, 2026, 07:44 PM Updated Jun 17, 2026, 07:44 PM BRUSSELS, June 17 - Other NATO members have increased their contributions to the alliance's crisis forces to fill many of the gaps left by U.S. cuts to its commitments, NATO chief Mark Rutte said on Wednesday. The U.S. told its allies last month that it had decided to shrink the pool of national military capabilities committed to the transatlantic alliance in a crisis, raising urgent questions as leaders prepare for a NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8. "There are ... areas that require more work but the overall picture is looking good," Rutte told reporters at NATO headquarters in Brussels ahead of a meeting of alliance defence ministers on Thursday. He did not provide further details. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's top commander and th…

US not 'pulling away' from allies by cutting NATO commitments: Mark ... Reuters NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte holds a press conference ahead of a Defence Ministers meeting at the Alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium June 17, 2026. Brussels: NATO chief Mark Rutte said Wednesday that the United States was not stepping back from Europe by announcing cuts to the forces it makes available to the alliance. "In some cases this has been cast as a problem -- as the US pulling away from its allies. But that is not the reality," Rutte said on the eve of a meeting of NATO defence ministers. Washington has told allies it is reducing the assets it puts at disposal of NATO commanders as it expects European countries to take "primary responsibility" for their own conventional defence. "The US has adjusted its pledges to the NATO Force Model," Rutte said. "This is not primarily about where forces and assets are currently, but about who would do what if our defence plans were activated." Live Events US and German media reported that the cuts include a third of the 150 US F-16 and F-15 jets designated for NATO, plus refuelling and reconnaissance aircraft, bombers and drones. The reports …

‘Deal on Greenland’ key to US troops remaining in Europe, says Trump By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments President Donald Trump speaks during a media conference at the Nato summit in Ankara, Turkey (Hussein Malla/AP) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Donald Trump has said a “deal on Greenland” would play a key role on any decision about the numbers of US troops in Europe. The US president was speaking on board the new Air Force One after a quick stop at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk to change planes on the way back to Washington from the Nato summit in Turkey. Asked about plans for troops stationed in Europe, Mr Trump said: “I haven’t made that final determination. A lot’s gonna depend on Greenland.” Mr Trump has suggested Greenland, which is part of Denmark, should come under US control and told reporters “a very good deal on Greenland” would play a key role in any decision on troops. US President Donald Trump (left) and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the Nato Summit in Ankara, Turkey (Alastai…

Home News World Europe A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) ms New for subscribers! Gift this article to friends and family for free. Got it! flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : niagarafallsreview.ca sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/niagara_falls_review bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar : By Lorne Cook The Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential …

New NATO chief emphasizes alliance unity at handover ceremony Home Europe New NATO Chief Emphasizes Alliance Unity At Handover Ceremony Select Preferred on Google News U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich assumed command on Friday as NATO’s top military leader, delivering a message of unity and reassurance to allies amid concerns over possible U.S. troop reductions in Europe under Donald Trump’s administration. The U.S. has filled the post of Supreme Allied Commander Europe since its creation after World War Two but U.S. officials discussed ending that tradition as President Trump pushes Europe to take more responsibility for its defence. That possibility rattled European allies – who rely heavily on the 80,000 U.S. troops in Europe to protect the continent and would expect many more to join them if Europe came under attack – and alarmed senior members of the U.S. Congress. Ultimately, Washington nominated Grynkewich as successor to Army General Christopher Cavoli, who played a key role in advising Ukraine’s military after Russia’s 2022 invasion and oversaw a sweeping overhaul of NATO’s defence plans. But U.S. allies remain concerned that an ongoing review of U.S. force postur…

Home News World Europe A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) ms New for subscribers! Gift this article to friends and family for free. Got it! flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : niagarafallsreview.ca sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/niagara_falls_review bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar : By Lorne Cook The Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential …

Donald Trump renews attack on defence spending levels ahead of Nato summit By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments 2 Skip to next photo 1 / 1 Show caption 1 / 1 0 Comments This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Donald Trump has criticised defence spending by the UK and other European allies as he ramps up the pressure ahead of a crucial Nato summit. The US president cited national military funding figures to renew his charge that America is bankrolling the protection of other countries “without getting any benefit”, as he branded the situation “ridiculous”. Meanwhile, the UK’s top diplomat in Washington said Britain had heard Mr Trump’s call and was “putting our money where our mouth is” on defence spending. The president’s latest sabre-rattling raises the stakes for next week’s meeting of Nato leaders in Ankara, Turkey, with Mr Trump already having cast doubt on America’s commitment to the long-standing military alliance, which he has branded “a paper tiger”. UK defence funding has been at the centre o…

Home News World Europe A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) ms New for subscribers! Gift this article to friends and family for free. Got it! flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : niagarafallsreview.ca sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/niagara_falls_review bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar : By Lorne Cook The Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential …

Home News World Europe A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) ms New for subscribers! Gift this article to friends and family for free. Got it! flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : niagarafallsreview.ca sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/niagara_falls_review bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar : By Lorne Cook The Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential …

US Plans to Slash Fighter Jets, Warships to NATO in Europe: Report Staff Writer With AFP • June 12, 2026, 10:23 am Categories Americas Europe US President Donald Trump. Photo: Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto via AFP The United States plans to slash the number of fighter jets and warships it provides to NATO in Europe, the New York Times reported on Thursday. The reported cutbacks come as European nations race to bolster their defense capacities since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 sparked fears that Moscow could attack a NATO country . US President Donald Trump has called the alliance a “paper tiger” and its members “cowards” in frustration that they have not joined the US-Israeli war against Iran. Washington plans to reduce the number of fighter jets it supplies to Europe by one third, cut all eight aerial refueling tankers and reduce maritime reconnaissance aircraft, the New York Times reported, citing two unidentified senior European officials. Other assets to be reallocated include a missile-launching submarine, an aircraft carrier, a group of bomber aircraft and several jets and warships. AFP has contacted the Pentagon for comment. The US European Command said this month…

'Keep one person completely happy': Nato summit revolves around 'Trump ... SHARE Despite efforts to maintain the summit centered on defence trade and army spending, officers acknowledge that Trump’s unpredictability continues to forged a shadow over the assembly Nato leaders gathering in Ankara are coming into this yr’s summit with one overriding precedence: keep away from scary US President Donald Trump and preserve the alliance centered on areas the place consensus remains to be attainable. According to Politico, European allies have adopted what diplomats privately describe as a technique of “Trump management” after a turbulent yr marked by disputes over defence spending, the Iran battle and Trump’s repeated criticism of Nato members. The purpose, the report stated, is to reassure the US president that Europe is rising army funding whereas steering away from points that would set off recent divisions. “There’s no alternative how to approach him but to be diplomatic and not to extremely offend him and saying that we’re stepping up,” Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken instructed Politico. “That’s what we need to do and that’s what we’re doing.” One senior Nato diplomat was mu…

Starmer urges ‘unity’ at Nato summit again overshadowed by Trump By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments 3 Skip to next photo 1 / 1 Show caption 1 / 1 0 Comments This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Sir Keir Starmer urged leaders to show “unity and strength” at the start of a Nato summit already overshadowed once again by Donald Trump. Speaking to reporters on arrival at the presidential palace in Ankara, Turkey, where the summit is being held, the Prime Minister said the gathering would prove to be “very important” against the background of the Ukraine war and the US conflict with Iran. He said: “It’s very important that, as leaders, we show the unity and the strength of Nato at a time like this, and that’s what we’ll do at this summit here this morning.” But in a re-run of last year’s summit in The Hague, the meeting in Ankara has been focused on the US president and his ongoing criticism of the alliance. Ahead of the summit, Mr Trump reopened questions about his commitment to the alliance, insistin…

The Latest: President Trump meets NATO leaders as they try to show they are serious about defense Associated Press Published: July 7, 2026 at 6:03 AM Updated: July 7, 2026 at 6:11 AM Full Screen 1 / 3 Previous photo Next photo President Donald Trump waves as he boards Air Force One, Monday, July 6, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) FILE - President Donald Trump speaks during a media conference at the end of the NATO summit as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, right, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listen in The Hague, Netherlands, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, center, arrives ahead of the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, July 6, 2026. (Abdullah Gl, Pool Photo via AP) Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. President Donald Trump waves as he boards Air Force One, Monday, July 6, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) U.S. President Donald Trump meets fellow NATO leaders at a summit on Tuesday as the alliance tries to persuade him that their countries are actively increasing their military capabilities even as the American focus shifts away from its defense of Europe to…

NATO chief downplays US military cutbacks as top commander makes ... NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is downplaying the impact of the Trump administration's decision to reduce military support for allies BRUSSELS --BRUSSELS (AP) —NATOSecretary-General Mark Rutte played down on Wednesday the impact of the Trump administration’s decision tocut backthe number of troops and military equipment it would provide its allies should they come under attack. NATO’s supreme allied commander, an American, is working on backup plans to defend Europe after the U.S. signaled on June 3 that it would no longer supply an aircraft carrier and support ships, aerial refueling planes and dozens of fighter jets, among other military assets, in a crisis. But Rutte said the U.S. is not withdrawing more troops from Europe. “This is not about where forces and assets are currently located,” he said on the eve of a meeting of NATO defense ministers that he will chair in Brussels. “It’s about who would do what if our defense plans were activated. So, let’s say in case of an Article 5 situation,” Rutte told reporters. Under NATO’s collective security guarantee –Article 5of its founding treaty – the 32 alli…

Home News World Europe A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) ms New for subscribers! Gift this article to friends and family for free. Got it! flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : niagarafallsreview.ca sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/niagara_falls_review bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar : By Lorne Cook The Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential …

NATO Chief Backs Trump's Iran Strikes, Says US Action Was 'Crucial' NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has praised President Donald Trump's military campaign against Iran, describing the US operation as "crucial" and crediting it with weakening Tehran's nuclear capabilities. Speaking during a roundtable interview with reporters on Thursday, Rutte said the recent military campaign, known as "Operation Epic Fury", together with last year's Midnight Hammer strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, had played an important role. "What the US did is crucial," Rutte said. "I commend the President for doing that." "This whole operation, Epic Fury, and the bombing last year is all part of degrading the nuclear capability," he added. "Which is crucial for Europe; crucial for, of course, the Middle East." Breaking It Down What changes is Trump proposing for NATO's funding? How has Trump described NATO in relation to the Iran conflict? What is NATO's stance on the US military presence in Europe? Created with AI. His remarks contrast with those of several European leaders who have criticised the US operation or sought to distance themselves from it. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described t…

Home News World Europe A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) ms New for subscribers! Gift this article to friends and family for free. Got it! flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : niagarafallsreview.ca sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/niagara_falls_review bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar : By Lorne Cook The Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential …

Donald Trump renews attack on defence spending levels ahead of Nato summit By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments The US president has had a fractious relationship with the military alliance (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Donald Trump has criticised defence spending by the UK and other European allies as he ramps up the pressure ahead of a crucial Nato summit. The US president cited national military funding figures to renew his charge that America is bankrolling the protection of other countries “without getting any benefit”, as he branded the situation “ridiculous”. His latest sabre-rattling raises the stakes for next week’s meeting of Nato leaders in Ankara, Turkey, with Mr Trump already having cast doubt on America’s commitment to the long-standing military alliance, which he has branded “a paper tiger”. UK defence funding has been at the centre of controversy (Ben Birchall/PA) Tensions over defence funding have been further fuelled by the president’s designs on…

Home News World Europe A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) ms New for subscribers! Gift this article to friends and family for free. Got it! flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : niagarafallsreview.ca sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/niagara_falls_review bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar : By Lorne Cook The Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential …

NATO allies bewildered by Trump's about-face on US troop moves in ... Rubio says America’s NATO allies understand that eventually there will be a reduction in the U.S. troop presence in Europe as the Trump administration evaluates its force posture globally. NATO allies and defense officials have expressed bewilderment at U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would send 5,000 U.S. troops to Poland. Foreign ministers attending a NATO meeting in Helsingborg, Sweden, reacted Friday to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to send an additional 5,000 troops to Poland. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is on his latest mission to assuage nervous U.S. allies in Europe about the Trump administration’s intentions with NATO or at least put a friendlier face on whipsawing changes and uncertainty about American troop reductions. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, left, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte look at each other as they deliver a statement during a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Helsingborg, Sweden, Friday, May 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Pool) United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, front second left, and NATO Secretary Ge…

Home News World Europe A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) ms New for subscribers! Gift this article to friends and family for free. Got it! flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : niagarafallsreview.ca sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/niagara_falls_review bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar : By Lorne Cook The Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential …

Not all US capabilities will be backfilled by NATO summit, Rutte says The crew of a Leopard 2 main battle tank equipped with a drone defence net waits to continue their journey during the "Freedom Shield 2026" combat exercise in Lithuania on 12 June 2026. (Photo by Kay Nietfeld/picture alliance via Getty Images) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Europeans and Canada need more time to replace some of the capabilities the US no longer makes available to allies in case of crisis. Earlier this month, the US informed allies that it is reducing the assets it has available to defend NATO, including both air and maritime capabilities. Some reports said submarines capable of launching cruise missiles and a third of fighter jets previously committed had been removed. The alliance’s 32 defence ministers are meeting in Brussels on Thursday to prepare for the leaders’ summit in Ankara next month. They will also address the NATO force model, the framework for making national forces available to the alliance. Rutte told reporters that “we see the picture positive”, with some of the US capabilities that have been removed by Washington from the force model “already filled” by Europeans and Ca…

Home News World Europe A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) ms New for subscribers! Gift this article to friends and family for free. Got it! flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : niagarafallsreview.ca sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/niagara_falls_review bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar : By Lorne Cook The Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential …

Is NATO Still Needed? - Center for Citizen Initiatives Dear CCI Readers, We made national news this week with an article printed in The National Interest questioning whether NATO is needed in today’s world. Check the 10 reasons we believe NATO is unnecessary and counterproductive now and for the future. In our estimation, it’s a grossly expensive relic that should have been phased out two decades ago. NATO was created to assure our country’s “hegemony” in perpetuity. However, many understand that we are no longer the world’s “Hegemon.” We are currently one among a number of power centers that are beginning to be serious global players. Many Americans are among the last to realize that this situation is happening. Please ponder our rationale and if you think it appropriate, please forward this piece to your colleagues and friends. Sharon Tennison Center for Citizen Initiatives National Interest Is NATO Still Necessary? There will inevitably be other global challenges that countries will face together over time. However, NATO at seventy is not the instrument to address them. April 18, 2020 By Sharon Tennison , David Speedie , Krishen Mehta The coronavirus pandemic that is ravaging t…

Rutte Says Europe, Canada, Ready for More NATO Responsibilities Europe Rutte Says Europe, Canada, Ready for More NATO Responsibilities The NATO chief said the United States has adjusted its pledged contributions and that other allies have stepped up to contribute more. Save Mark Us Preferred on Google Print NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte holds a press conference ahead of a defense ministers' meeting at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on June 17, 2026. Yves Herman/Reuters Evgenia Filimianova 6/17/2026 | Updated: 6/17/2026 0:00 X 1 NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said European allies and Canada are now more capable and ready to take on further responsibility within the alliance as the United States adjusts its pledges to the NATO Force Model. The remarks came two weeks after U.S. officials informed NATO allies that Washington would reduce its contributions to the Force Model, a framework that identifies which military forces member states would provide during a crisis or conflict. Rutte said on June 17, ahead of a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, that the alliance had “looked at the division of labour in the context of conventional forces” and co…

Home News World Europe A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) ms New for subscribers! Gift this article to friends and family for free. Got it! flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : niagarafallsreview.ca sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/niagara_falls_review bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar : By Lorne Cook The Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential …

NATO is in disarray after the US announces that its security priorities ... US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, said Thursday that acknowledging Ukraine’s borders would not go back to what they were in 2014 was “not a concession” to Russian President Vladimir Putin, but was a “recognition of the hard power realities on the ground”. United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, front left, and Britain’s Defense Secretary John Healey, front second left, pose with other ministers during a group photo of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, center, speaks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during a group photo of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, front second left, speaks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte as they pose with other ministers during a group photo of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) United States Secretary of Defense Pete…

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top commander told The Associated Press on Friday that European allies have filled most of the holes created by a U.S. decision to cut back military contributions in times of crisis. U.S. Gen. Alex Grynkewich urged Europeans to make more equipment available after the U.S. signaled on June 3 that it would no longer supply an aircraft carrier and support ships, aerial refueling planes and dozens of fighter jets, among other assets, to the continent. He also began weighing back up plans in case of an attack against Europe. The so-called NATO Force Model is the alliance’s Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. “In a matter of weeks, European Allies have largely filled the gaps left by U.S. reductions to the NATO Force Model,” Grynkewich said, days before President Donald Trump and his counterparts gather for a July 7-8 summit in Turkey , where force planning will be high on the agenda. “And in tho…

NATO head credits Trump with making members pay more - USA TODAY POLITICS Donald Trump Add Topic Trump effect on NATO spending is 'staggering,' Secretary General says Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy USA TODAY March 13, 2025, 3:20 p.m. ET Hear this story WASHINGTON − The new head of NATO and President Donald Trump agree on one thing: European member states should be paying more for their defense. Seated next to Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, a former prime minister of the Netherlands, credited the president with making NATO members contribute more for military support. "If we look at Trump 47, what happened in the last couple of weeks is really staggering," Rutte said of recent defense commitments. "The Europeans countries are spending a package of $800 billion on defense spending." Rutte then nodded along as Trump recalled demanding that NATO nations pay up their fair share during his first term as president. "When I first went to NATO, my first meeting, I noticed that very few people were paying, and if they were, they weren't paying their fair share," Trump said. After making it clear that U.S. wouldn't support NATO if member states didn't st…

Nato chief demands allies present clear plans to reach defence spending ... Nato chief demands allies present clear plans to reach defence spending targets By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Nato chief Mark Rutte said countries not (Hussein Malla/AP) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte demanded that the allies put forward “clear, concrete and credible plans” to reach the organisation’s spending targets at its annual summit in Ankara. Mr Rutte made the remarks in the Turkish capital ahead of a two-day summit starting on Tuesday. It comes at a crucial time for the alliance with the United States, scaling down its security role in Europe. Washington has been pressing allies to shoulder more of the spending burden. The 32 nations agreed last year to invest 5% of their gross domestic product on defence — 3.5% on their defence budgets and 1.5% on roads, bridges and ports so troops and equipment can move faster in times of conflict. Spain endorsed the goal but said th…

Assessing NATO's Value - EveryCRSReport.com March 27, 2019 – March 28, 2019R45652 On April 4, 2019, foreign ministers from the 29 member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are to gather in Washington, DC, to mark the 70th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty). NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is to address a joint session of Congress on April 3, 2019, the first ever to do so. Congress was instrumental in creating NATO in 1949 and has played a critical role in shaping U.S. policy toward the alliance ever since. A key goal of the 70th anniversary meeting will be to highlight NATO’s past successes and present a unified vision for its future. The United States was the driving proponent of NATO’s creation and has been the unquestioned leader of the alliance as it has evolved from a collective defense organization of 12 members focused on deterring the Soviet Union to a globally engaged security organization of 29 members. Successive U.S. Administrations have viewed U.S. leadership of NATO as a cornerstone of U.S. national security strategy. Proponents of NATO cite numerous benefits to the United States, includin…

NATO chief demands allies present credible plans to reach ... - CTPost NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a media conference at the International Media Center ahead of the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, July 6, 2026. Hussein Malla/AP Photo/Hussein Malla ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Monday demanded that the allies put forward “clear, concrete and credible plans” to reach the organization’s spending targets at its annual summit in Ankara. The 32 nations agreed last year to invest 5% of their gross domestic product on defense — 3.5% on their defense budgets and 1.5% on roads, bridges and ports so troops and equipment can move faster in times of conflict. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Spain endorsed the goal but said that it could fulfill NATO’s security requirements without spending so much. Some countries are still struggling to meet the alliance’s old target of 2% of GDP. On spending among European allies and Canada, Rutte said that “the evidence we see so far is impressive.” He said that NATO estimates that they will invest a combined $258 billion more in defense in 2025 and this year than they have in previous yea…

NATO plans backup as Trump administration reduces military ... NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a pre-ministerial media conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Omar Havana) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a pre-ministerial media conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Omar Havana) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a pre-ministerial media conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Omar Havana) BRUSSELS (AP) —NATOSecretary-General Mark Rutte played down on Wednesday the impact of the Trump administration’s decision tocut backthe number of troops and military equipment it would provide its allies should they come under attack. NATO’s supreme allied commander, an American, is working on backup plans to defend Europe after the U.S. signaled on June 3 that it would no longer supply an aircraft carrier and support ships, aerial refueling planes and dozens of fighter jets, among other military assets, in a crisis. But Rutte said the U.S. is not withdrawing more troops from Europe. “This is not about where forces and asset…

NATO Chief Contradicts Donald Trump on Article 5: 'I've No Doubt' ... By Shane Croucher Breaking News Editor 0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pushed back on President Donald Trump's skepticism that allies would come to his country's defense if it triggered Article 5, saying he had "no doubt" that they would, as they had done before. Under NATO's Article 5, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, ensuring collective defense if an ally invokes it. There are fractures in the NATO alliance over Trump's aggressive push to take control of the self-governing Arctic island of Greenland from Denmark. He has hinted at military action if he cannot secure sovereignty over Greenland diplomatically, insisting that the U.S. must have the strategic island because it is vital to national security. Read More: Donald Trump Finally Makes the Right Move on Greenland Read More on World The Greenland clash has called into question the future of NATO. But Trump argues that NATO would be stronger if the U.S. had control…

Starmer urges ‘unity’ at Nato summit again overshadowed by Trump By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments 4 Skip to next photo 1 / 1 Show caption 1 / 1 0 Comments This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Sir Keir Starmer urged leaders to show “unity and strength” at the start of a Nato summit already overshadowed once again by Donald Trump. Speaking to reporters on arrival at the presidential palace in Ankara, Turkey, where the summit is being held, the Prime Minister said the gathering would prove to be “very important” against the background of the Ukraine war and the US conflict with Iran. He said: “It’s very important that, as leaders, we show the unity and the strength of Nato at a time like this, and that’s what we’ll do at this summit here this morning.” But in a re-run of last year’s summit in The Hague, the meeting in Ankara has been focused on the US president and his ongoing criticism of the alliance. Ahead of the summit, Mr Trump reopened questions about his commitment to the alliance, insistin…

Home News World Europe A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) ms New for subscribers! Gift this article to friends and family for free. Got it! flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : niagarafallsreview.ca sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/niagara_falls_review bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar : By Lorne Cook The Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential …

Home News World Europe A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) ms New for subscribers! Gift this article to friends and family for free. Got it! flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : niagarafallsreview.ca sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/niagara_falls_review bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar : By Lorne Cook The Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential …

Home News World Europe A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) ms New for subscribers! Gift this article to friends and family for free. Got it! flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : niagarafallsreview.ca sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/niagara_falls_review bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar : By Lorne Cook The Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential …

Starmer urges ‘unity’ at Nato summit again overshadowed by Trump By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments 2 Skip to next photo 1 / 1 Show caption 1 / 1 0 Comments This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Sir Keir Starmer urged leaders to show “unity and strength” at the start of a Nato summit already overshadowed once again by Donald Trump. Speaking to reporters on arrival at the presidential palace in Ankara, Turkey, where the summit is being held, the Prime Minister said the gathering would prove to be “very important” against the background of the Ukraine war and the US conflict with Iran. He said: “It’s very important that, as leaders, we show the unity and the strength of Nato at a time like this, and that’s what we’ll do at this summit here this morning.” Turkish soldiers stand in formation as they wait for the arrival of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the Nato Summit in Ankara, Turkey (Alastair Grant/PA) But in a re-run of last year’s summit in The Hague, the meeting in Ankara has been focused o…

Home News World Europe A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) ms New for subscribers! Gift this article to friends and family for free. Got it! flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : niagarafallsreview.ca sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/niagara_falls_review bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar : By Lorne Cook The Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential …

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Finland NATO Matias Honkamaa - Lehtikuva A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO's Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) Show more Show less Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential threats elsewhere, notably from China in the Indo-Pacific region. European countries and Canada had waited impatiently for over a year for the Tr…

Situation Report A weekly digest of national security, defense, and cybersecurity news from Foreign Policy reporters John Haltiwanger and Rishi Iyengar. Delivered Thursday. Angsty in Ankara Can NATO move past a need to keep Trump happy? By Rishi Iyengar , a staff writer at Foreign Policy . U.S. President Donald Trump (right) and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte meet in the Oval Office of the White House on June 24. U.S. President Donald Trump (right) and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte meet in the Oval Office of the White House on June 24. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Foreign & Public Diplomacy Military Science and Technology NATO United States Iran North America Europe Ukraine Rishi Iyengar July 2, 2026, 6:03 PM Welcome to FP Free Week. To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, our entire site is completely unlocked this week only. Enjoy the article. Welcome back to Foreign Policy ’s Situation Report, where John is getting a much-needed and well-deserved recharge at the beach ahead of what is sure to be an eventful NATO summit. He and I will be in Ankara, Turkey, for that summit next week and will be bringing you scenes and snippets from the ground in a series of SitRep pop-up editi…

Home News World Europe A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) ms New for subscribers! Gift this article to friends and family for free. Got it! flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : niagarafallsreview.ca sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/niagara_falls_review bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar : By Lorne Cook The Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential …

NATO commander says Europe has backfilled most gaps from US cutbacks on ... United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, left, speaks with NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus Grynkewich, right, during a meeting of the North Atlantic Council in defense ministers format at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte prepares to deliver an address during the America 250 event in Brussels, Sunday, June 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top commander told The Associated Press on Friday that European allies have filled most of the holes created by a U.S. decision tocut backmilitary contributions in times of crisis. U.S. Gen. Alex Grynkewich urged Europeans to make more equipment available after the U.S. signaled on June 3 that it would no longer supply an aircraft carrier and support ships, aerial refueling planes and dozens of fighter jets, among other assets, to the continent. He also began weighingback up plansin case of an attack against Europe. The so-called NATO Force Model is the alliance’s Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of…

NATO Chief Downplays US Military Cutbacks as Top Commander ... Like Follow Followed Add us on Lorne Cook Published Jun 17, 2026, 12:38 PM EDT Sign in to your Military.com account NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a pre-ministerial media conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Omar Havana) Originally published by Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte played down on Wednesday the impact of the Trump administration’s decision to cut back the number of troops and military equipment it would provide its allies should they come under attack. NATO’s supreme allied commander, an American, is working on backup plans to defend Europe after the U.S. signaled on June 3 that it would no longer supply an aircraft carrier and support ships, aerial refueling planes and dozens of fighter jets, among other military assets, in a crisis. But Rutte said the U.S. is not withdrawing more troops from Europe. “This is not about where forces and assets are currently located,” he said on the eve of a meeting of NATO defense ministers that he will chair in Brussels. “It’s about who would do what if our defense plans were acti…

Starmer urges ‘unity’ at Nato summit again overshadowed by Trump By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments 4 Skip to next photo 1 / 1 Show caption 1 / 1 0 Comments This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Sir Keir Starmer urged leaders to show “unity and strength” at the start of a Nato summit already overshadowed once again by Donald Trump. Speaking to reporters on arrival at the presidential palace in Ankara, Turkey, where the summit is being held, the Prime Minister said the gathering would prove to be “very important” against the background of the Ukraine war and the US conflict with Iran. He said: “It’s very important that, as leaders, we show the unity and the strength of Nato at a time like this, and that’s what we’ll do at this summit here this morning.” But in a re-run of last year’s summit in The Hague, the meeting in Ankara has been focused on the US president and his ongoing criticism of the alliance. Ahead of the summit, Mr Trump reopened questions about his commitment to the alliance, insistin…

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Monday demanded that the allies put forward “clear, concrete and credible plans” to reach the organization’s spending targets at its annual summit in Ankara. Rutte made the remarks in the Turkish capital come ahead of a two-day summit starting on Tuesday that comes at a time crucial time for the alliance with the United States scaling down its security role in Europe. Washington has been pressing allies to shoulder more of the spending burden. The 32 nations agreed last year to invest 5% of their gross domestic product on defense — 3.5% on their defense budgets and 1.5% on roads, bridges and ports so troops and equipment can move faster in times of conflict. Spain endorsed the goal but said that it could fulfill NATO’s security requirements without spending so much. Some countries are still struggling to meet the alliance’s old target of 2% of GDP. Asked what would happen to allies that don't have a clear plan, Rutte said: “If one or two of still have to be convinced, we have ways to do that.” He did not elaborate. U.S. Amba…

Home News World Europe A F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter of the Finnish Air Force lands on a road strip during NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Tervo, Finland, Wednesday June 10, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) ms New for subscribers! Gift this article to friends and family for free. Got it! flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : niagarafallsreview.ca sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/niagara_falls_review bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar : By Lorne Cook The Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO’s top military officer is weighing alternative plans to defend Europe should it come under attack from Russia, after the United States announced that it is cutting the number of aircraft and warships that it would provide in a security crisis. The so-called NATO Force Model is Plan A for making forces from the 32 member nations available in times of peace, crisis or war. It sets out the military assets that commanders can call on in phases over the first six months of any conflict. But last month, the Pentagon warned its NATO allies that it would be scaling down its commitment to focus on potential …