NATO leader addresses doubts about US dedication to alliance before Ukraine meeting

BRUSSELS NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Tuesday sought to calm rising doubts regarding the United States dedication to the alliance, just ahead of a meeting of allied foreign ministers centered on Russias ongoing war in Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not be present at Wednesdays session, which coincides with high-level negotiations in Moscow and across Europe about Ukraines future. His unusual absence follows the release of former President Donald Trumps 28-point plan last month, which raised concerns among European allies and Canada. The proposal suggested halting NATO expansiona longstanding Russian demandand excluded Ukraine from membership, contradicting previous assurances to Kyiv.

The draft also proposed U.S.-mediated talks between Russia and NATO to address security matters and explore potential business opportunities, though questions remain about Washingtons ability to act as a neutral intermediary.

Speaking to the press, Rutte emphasized that Rubios schedule is demanding. He is diligently handling not only the Ukraine situation but a wide range of other issues, Rutte said. His absence tomorrow should not be interpreted as a signal.

An anonymous senior State Department official explained that Rubio has already participated in numerous NATO meetings, making it impractical for him to attend every session.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau will attend in Rubios place and urge allies to uphold their pledge to invest 5% of GDP in defense.

Rutte also addressed aspects of Trumps original plan, noting that revisions have been made to better accommodate European concerns. Proposals are a starting point; discussions need a framework, he stated.

Regarding NATOs role in any deal to end the Ukraine conflict, Rutte confirmed it will be addressed separately, emphasizing that NATOs involvement remains essential. While acknowledging that Ukraine continues on an irreversible path toward eventual membership, he stressed that immediate accession is politically unfeasible without unanimous approval from all 32 allies, which is currently lacking.

At the last NATO summit in The Hague, Trump reaffirmed the United States commitment to Article 5, the collective defense clause, describing fellow leaders as a nice group of people and noting their gratitude for U.S. support. Despite this, some of his subsequent comments suggested a more detached U.S. stance within the alliance.

Concerns have also emerged over potential U.S. troop reductions in Europe. In October, Romania announced that up to 3,000 American troops would be withdrawn as the U.S. prioritizes security concerns in Asia and other regions. The administration plans to release final troop movement decisions in early 2026.

Author: Ethan Caldwell