European allies have stepped up to contribute more forces available to NATO in a crisis, after the U.S. reduced its contribution, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday.

The U.S. told allies last month that it has decided to shrink the pool of U.S. military capabilities committed to NATO in a crisis, raising questions about how and when European countries will fill the gaps.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (JUNE 17, 2026) (NATO - Access all)

1. NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION (NATO) SECRETARY GENERAL, MARK RUTTE, WALKING TO PODIUM

2. (SOUNDBITE) (English) NATO SECRETARY GENERAL, MARK RUTTE, SAYING:

"The U.S. action to prevent the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran and degrade its ballistic missile capability improves security for us all. And the deal President Trump struck has created an opportunity to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon."

3. JOURNALISTS RAISING HANDS TO ASK QUESTIONS

4. (SOUNDBITE) (English) NATO SECRETARY GENERAL, MARK RUTTE, SAYING:

"The United States has adjusted its pledges to the NATO force model. This is not primarily about where forces and assets are currently, but about who would do what if our defense plans were activated. Historically, this was overly reliant on the United States. Now, the U.S. has adjusted its pledged contributions, and other allies have stepped up to contribute more."

5. JOURNALIST ASKING QUESTION

6. (SOUNDBITE) (English) NATO SECRETARY GENERAL, MARK RUTTE, SAYING:

"Finally, with Russia's war in its fifth year, providing support to Ukraine remains a priority. Ukraine is demonstrating that the Russian war machine is not unstoppable and is shifting the dynamics on the battlefield. Together, allies have given billions in artillery, ammunition, and aid. But it is crucial to continue this support to help Ukraine maintain its advantage."

7. JOURNALIST ASKING QUESTION