NATO Diplomats Fear Trump Could Increase Alliance Pressure

Five NATO diplomats have warned that a Republican loss in the U.S. midterm elections could lead President Donald Trump to increase pressure on the alliance, including through troop cuts, reduced funding and limits on weapons support for Ukraine. Their concerns, reported anonymously, describe possible actions rather than a decision by Trump. The diplomats said a Democratic-controlled Congress could constrain Trump’s domestic agenda and prompt him to focus more on foreign policy. Three raised the possibility that the United States could withdraw thousands more troops from Europe. They also cited potential cuts to U.S. contributions to NATO’s common funding and restrictions on the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, or PURL, which allies use to buy U.S. weapons for Ukraine. A possible shift toward closer ties with Russia was also raised. The U.S. review of its military presence in Europe is underway, NATO has said, and is expected to conclude in December. At an August 27 briefing, Secretary General Mark Rutte said the assessment would consider the security situation and involve consultations with allies. The review’s outcome and any resulting changes to force levels have not...