US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington wants stronger European defence capabilities while maintaining partnership through NATO, during a joint presser with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava.
Rubio stressed that countries should prioritise national interests but cooperate where interests align. He also dismissed concerns about reduced US troop presence in Europe, stating adjustments do not signal a withdrawal from NATO.
The visit to Slovakia forms part of Rubio’s Central Europe tour, ahead of meetings with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, focusing on security, energy and diplomacy.
Key developments:
• Rubio said stronger European militaries would reinforce NATO rather than weaken US ties.
• Fico criticised the European Union’s financial and military support for Ukraine, arguing it prolongs the war.
• Leaders discussed nuclear cooperation and peace efforts as the Ukraine war approaches its fourth anniversary.
• Slovakia warned EU plans to phase out Russian fossil fuels could create major energy challenges.
Follow on social media TikTok@tut0ughInstagram@tut0ugh Threads@tut0ugh X@tut0ugh YouTube@tut0ugh
tut0ugh 