NATO intends to reduce the forces for operations overseas and focus on the conflict with Russia, -. Politico.
NATO nations are discussing the biggest overhaul of the alliance's military planning in 20 years, which prioritizes preparation for a possible armed conflict with Russia.
The allies are considering abandoning the requirement to simultaneously maintain enough troops for a major war in Europe and multiple crisis management operations abroad, Politico reported, citing four NATO diplomats.
According to the draft document, the allied countries will have to provide forces for one of these scenarios, and not for both at the same time.
Changes may affect military planning and resource allocation among NATO countries.
According to former NATO Assistant Secretary General Camille Grand, there was an understanding within the alliance that a major military confrontation in Europe would take precedence over other objectives.
The revision of the strategy also meets Washington's demands to focus NATO's activities on the defense of European territory.
The United States is calling on allies to reduce operations outside the alliance, including the mission in Iraq, and increase spending on their defense.
At the same time, the Pentagon is preparing a review of the American military presence in Europe, which may include the withdrawal of some military personnel.
According to Politico, European officials have repeatedly warned of a possible military conflict between Russia and NATO by 2029.
New requirements for allied military capabilities are scheduled to be completed by 2029. A preliminary agreement on basic planning principles is expected in February.
However, the discussion is at an early stage, and a final decision has not yet been made.
The proposed changes do not automatically end NATO's existing missions abroad, including in Kosovo and Iraq.
The disagreements remained within the alliance.