The United States is not seeking to turn European nations into vassals but wants to see them as self-sufficient partners capable of independently protecting their people.
According to Hvylya, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made these remarks during a briefing in Slovakia, as reported by Clash Report. The head of American diplomacy noted that Washington is urging allies to reduce their reliance on the US security umbrella.
"We do not want you to be dependent on us. We are not asking you to be vassals of the United States. We want to be your partners," Rubio emphasized.
He noted that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of its own state and citizens. This is why the United States is so persistent about the need to build up the capabilities of partners within the North Atlantic Alliance.
At the same time, Rubio specifically stressed that the demand for allies to become stronger should not be perceived as the US preparing to withdraw from NATO. On the contrary, it is about strengthening collective security.
"What we are saying is that the stronger our allies are, the stronger we all are together," the Secretary of State concluded.