NATO foreign ministers gathered in Helsingborg, Sweden, against the backdrop of Washington's plans to reduce its military footprint in Europe. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted the move is not 'punitive,' but allies expressed puzzlement over the Trump administration's intentions.

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard called President Donald Trump's announcement on sending troops to Poland 'confusing.' Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said Europe must step up as the US reduces its presence.

Polish officials were caught off guard after the Pentagon said it was suspending the deployment of a combat brigade to Poland. Trump then said he would send 5,000 troops to Poland, citing his good relationship with President Karol Nawrocki. This followed his earlier announcement to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany.

Rubio claimed the redeployment is not aimed at punishing European allies for their lack of support in the US war in Iran. However, he acknowledged Trump's 'disappointment' with allies' involvement in the Iran conflict, saying it 'will have to be addressed.'

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met his new Hungarian counterpart, Anita Orban, for the first time. Both countries seek to rebuild ties after a change of government in Hungary. Sybiha said they agreed to hold a second round of expert consultations on national minorities.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte 'welcomed' Trump's decision to deploy 5,000 troops to Poland. But the announcement came two days after the Pentagon suspended a brigade deployment, causing confusion. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said European states need to take more responsibility for their own security.

Source: www.dw.com