Retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg has advocated for the establishment of a new defense system, citing NATO’s inability to effectively address global conflicts, including the situation in Ukraine.
During a televised interview, Kellogg criticized NATO allies for their stance on the conflict in Iran, describing the organization as “cowardly.” He suggested that the United States should reconsider its existing partnerships and even contemplate withdrawing from the alliance.
“NATO is becoming cowardly. Perhaps we need a new NATO, a new defense system,” Kellogg stated.
He referenced Article 13 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which allows any member nation to leave the alliance one year after providing official notice.
Kellogg proposed forming alliances with countries that are genuinely prepared for military engagement. He identified potential partners, including Japan, Australia, Poland, and a reformed Germany, while also emphasizing Ukraine’s role.
“Even Ukraine, which has proven to be an effective ally,” Kellogg noted.
This perspective was echoed by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who characterized the current state of NATO as “terrible” and urged the U.S. to fundamentally reassess which partners it can truly rely on for critical missions.
Victoria Coates, a former Deputy National Security Advisor, added that NATO has demonstrated its “insignificance” by failing to manage the largest conflict in Europe since World War II. She pointed to the successful collaboration between the U.S. and Israel as evidence that Washington can achieve its objectives with motivated allies outside of cumbersome structures.
Discussions regarding a potential U.S. exit from NATO intensified following remarks by former President Donald Trump, who labeled the organization a “paper tiger.” Trump accused European partners of shirking military responsibilities, particularly concerning security guarantees that could influence global oil prices.
The situation escalated on April 1, 2026, when the White House confirmed it was considering a withdrawal from NATO. This decision was prompted by the refusal of allies to support an American operation against Iran, which Trump interpreted as a betrayal of shared security interests.
According to RBC Ukraine, despite the complexities of the legal process involved in withdrawing from the treaty, the Trump administration could already limit financial contributions and withdraw American troops from key bases in Europe.
Retired General Keith Kellogg has called for a new defense system in response to NATO's perceived shortcomings, particularly regarding global conflicts. His views, supported by other former officials, highlight a growing concern about the alliance's effectiveness and the potential for a U.S. withdrawal.