US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker called on Monday for NATO to modernise its military infrastructure to allow troops and equipment to move more quickly from Western to Eastern Europe, amid growing concerns over the Russian threat and a review of the US military presence on the continent.
Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum, Whitaker said military bases, fuel supply chains and agreements governing the stationing of US forces needed upgrades.
He said the goal was to facilitate the movement of military assets to NATO’s eastern flank, where a future conflict could erupt.
His remarks came as Washington reviews the deployment and size of its forces in Europe.
Whitaker said Europe ranked fourth among US strategic priorities, behind domestic security, the Western Hemisphere and the Indo-Pacific.
However, he did not announce any specific decision to relocate or withdraw US troops.
Instead, he sent a clear message to European allies that Washington wanted them to assume a greater share of defence responsibilities.
“The United States is not withdrawing. We are simply asking you to step up as well,” Whitaker said.
Whitaker also criticised countries that were failing to meet their defence spending commitments, specifically citing the Czech Republic. The country’s military spending for 2026 is estimated at around 1.8% of gross domestic product (GDP), below NATO’s existing 2% target.
Meanwhile, European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius stressed the need to reduce Europe’s dependence on the United States. He highlighted the development of European capabilities in counter-drone systems, satellite communications and surveillance.
Kosta Papadopoulos
Kosta Papadopoulos is an editor at Greek City Times, covering Greek and international news, travel, sport, and entertainment.