Brussels / Bucharest: The United States military confirmed on Wednesday that it is reducing its troop presence on NATO’s eastern flank, while firmly denying that the move signals an American withdrawal from Europe.
In a statement from its headquarters in Germany, the US Army in Europe and Africa said that an infantry brigade combat team and an airborne division will redeploy to their home base in Kentucky without replacement — a change that was first disclosed by Romanian officials earlier in the day.
“This is not an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to NATO and Article 5,” the US military clarified, referring to NATO’s collective defense principle.
“Rather, this is a positive sign of increased European capability and responsibility.”
Romania Reveals Redeployment Before US Announcement
The Romanian Defence Ministry earlier announced that the US will halt the rotation of a brigade whose elements were stationed across Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary.
The statement came ahead of Washington’s official confirmation, effectively revealing details of the long-anticipated adjustment before the Pentagon could announce it.
‘Not a Pullback,’ Says US Military
The US emphasized that the redeployment follows a global review of American military deployments and should not be interpreted as a strategic retreat from Europe.
“This force posture adjustment will not change the security environment in Europe,” the US Army added, stressing that NATO’s deterrence and defense capabilities remain “robust and unified.”
NATO, Allies Seek Reassurance Amid Russia Threat
NATO also moved quickly to calm fears of a US pullback, as European allies continue to face heightened tensions with Russia, now in the fourth year of its war in Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump, who has frequently criticized NATO members for not spending enough on defense, has urged allies to take on greater military responsibility.
However, the possibility of reduced US troop presence has caused unease among NATO members, particularly those bordering Russia, who fear that Moscow could target a NATO country if the Ukraine conflict subsides.
Background: Expected Realignment of US Forces
The troop adjustment follows expectations that the US would scale back certain overseas deployments after a comprehensive Pentagon review of global military operations.
The review aims to rebalance resources toward regions like the Indo-Pacific, amid growing strategic competition with China, while encouraging European allies to assume more direct responsibility for continental defense.
US Announces Partial Troop Drawdown In Europe, Denies NATO Withdrawal Claims
