NATO chief stresses US nuclear deterrence role amid growing European defence concerns

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has reaffirmed his confidence in the reliability of the United States' nuclear deterrence commitment to the alliance, emphasizing that the US remains fully dedicated to its obligations under NATO.

Rutte stated that he had no doubt about the US commitment, particularly its role as the primary guarantor of nuclear deterrence within NATO, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week actually repeated what US President Donald Trump said three times on television: that the US is fully committed to NATO and fully committed to Article 5. This means that the United States, through nuclear deterrence, is the main guarantor of NATO territory, of course, including the European part of the alliance," Rutte explained.

The NATO chief pointed out that since the Trump administration took office, the US has consistently reaffirmed its commitments to the alliance. "I urge my European colleagues to turn on the TV and sometimes listen to the statements of senior American leaders when it comes to NATO, instead of constantly worrying about whether the United States is committed to NATO. The answer is yes, and it has been coming from the American authorities continuously for the past three months," Rutte said, highlighting the consistency of US reassurances.

The remarks come amid discussions in Europe about the potential for creating independent nuclear deterrence capabilities. French President Emmanuel Macron, in a recent address, announced plans to initiate talks with European allies on the possibility of offering protection through France's nuclear deterrent forces. Countries such as Germany, Poland, Lithuania, and Denmark have expressed interest in exploring this issue further.

Additionally, the Financial Times recently reported that US allies in both Europe and Asia have been considering the establishment of their own nuclear defense systems, partly in response to the US administration's efforts to restore relations with Russia.

NATO Secretary General also emphasized the significant rise in military spending across European countries, drawing comparisons to the Cold War period.

Rutte remarked on the impressive financial commitments being made, highlighting the sharp increase in military budgets across Europe.

"The number of billions coming in is staggering. When you look at the overall increase in military spending in Europe at the moment, you have to compare it to the Cold War times," he said, underscoring the magnitude of the financial surge.

By Vafa Guliyeva