US Military Confirms Troop Reduction in NATO's Eastern Flank While Maintaining European Commitment

The US military officially confirmed on Wednesday that it is scaling back its presence along NATO's eastern flank, while emphasizing that this reduction should not be interpreted as an American withdrawal from Europe.

According to statements from the US Army in Europe and Africa, an infantry brigade combat team and an airborne division will be returning to their home base in Kentucky without replacement forces taking their positions. This announcement came after Romania had already disclosed information about the planned scale-down.

"This is not an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to NATO and Article 5," the military stated from its headquarters in Germany, specifically referencing NATO's collective defense principle. "Rather this is a positive sign of increased European capability and responsibility."

The US had been anticipating ordering reductions in Europe following a comprehensive review of its global military deployments. However, Romania's defense ministry preemptively announced that the US would discontinue the rotation of a brigade that had components stationed across several NATO countries, including Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary.

NATO quickly moved to minimize concerns about the planned personnel reduction amid growing anxiety about a potential US military drawback at a critical time when Europe faces an aggressive Russia.

"This force posture adjustment will not change the security environment in Europe," the US military added in its statement.

US President Donald Trump has consistently criticized NATO and pressed European allies to increase their military spending while Ukraine continues to defend against Russia's invasion.

The possibility of a US military withdrawal has created significant apprehension among allies, particularly given concerns that Russia might consider attacking a NATO member country within the next few years if the conflict in Ukraine subsides.