US Reaffirms NATO Commitment Amid Europe Defense Shift

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed NATO's strength during a Slovak press conference, refuting claims of fractured relations over the Trump-era National Defense Strategy. The US will transition two Joint Force Commands to European leadership while maintaining the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) role held by US General Alexus Gregory Grynkewich. Troop movements between countries are normal, not withdrawals, Rubio clarified. Slovakia's nuclear energy cooperation with the US took effect February 13, and the nation plans to increase F-16 fighter jets from current Czech/Polish/Hungarian protection to 18 aircraft. Slovakia admits its military equipment was gifted to Ukraine 2022-2023, creating current capacity gaps.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/16/us-affirms-nato-commitment-amid-purported-hostility-to-europe/