Pentagon scales back troops from NATO eastern flank, denies American withdrawal from Europe
In a significant shift in military strategy, the United States has announced a reduction of its military presence in Romania amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The U.S. Army Europe and Africa revealed that the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division will be redeployed back to its home base in Kentucky without a replacement. This decision is framed as part of a broader effort by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to achieve a balanced military posture in Europe. The Pentagon insists that this move does not signify an American withdrawal from Europe or a diminished commitment to NATO, emphasizing that it reflects a growing capability and responsibility among European allies. They assert that the adjustment will not alter the security landscape in Europe, despite rising concerns among NATO allies and some U.S. lawmakers.
However, the announcement has sparked criticism from key Republican figures, including Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers. They argue that the decision undermines the U.S. military’s deterrent posture, especially in light of recent provocations by Russia, including violations of Romanian airspace by Russian drones. The lawmakers express their disapproval, stating that such a move should not occur without thorough coordination within the U.S. government and with NATO allies. They stress the importance of maintaining a robust military presence in Eastern Europe to deter Russian aggression, particularly as President Trump has emphasized the need for a strong American resolve against Russia. Despite the scaling back, Romania’s Defense Ministry has confirmed that around 1,000 U.S. troops will remain stationed in the country, indicating a continued, albeit reduced, American military commitment in the region.
This development raises critical questions about the future of U.S. military strategy in Europe and the implications for NATO’s collective defense posture. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the balance of power in Eastern Europe remains precarious, and the response from U.S. lawmakers highlights the tension between military strategy and political considerations. With ongoing discussions about NATO’s role and responsibilities, the decision to reduce troop levels in Romania could have lasting effects on regional security dynamics and the U.S.’s ability to respond to potential threats from Russia. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor how these changes impact NATO’s collective defense strategy and the broader implications for U.S.-European relations.
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The U.S. is scaling back its military presence in Romania as
Eastern Europe
continues to grapple with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Some have expressed concern that this could mean American troops withdrawing from Europe, something the Pentagon denies.
U.S. Army Europe
and Africa announced on Wednesday that the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division would redeploy to their Kentucky-based home unit without replacement. The statement explained that this was part of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s “deliberate process to ensure a balanced U.S. military force posture.”
“This is not an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to NATO and Article 5. Rather this is a positive sign of increased European capability and responsibility,” U.S. Army Europe and Africa said in the statement. “Our NATO allies are meeting President Trump’s call to take primary responsibility for the conventional defense of Europe. This force posture adjustment will not change the security environment in Europe.”
However, NATO allies and some Republican lawmakers do not see the move as a sign of trust.
WHITE HOUSE REJECTS ‘BLANK CHECKS’ FOR UKRAINE, PRESSES NATO TO SHOULDER COSTS
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., issued a joint statement rebuking the move.
“We strongly oppose the decision not to maintain the rotational U.S. brigade in Romania and the Pentagon’s process for its ongoing force posture review that may result in further drawdowns of U.S. forces from Eastern Europe,” Wicker and Rogers’ statement read.
The lawmakers said the move goes against their March 19 declaration that they would not accept significant changes to the U.S.’s military structure “without a rigorous interagency process, coordination with combatant commanders and the Joint Staff, and collaboration with Congress.”
President Donald Trump told reporters earlier this month that the U.S. was not planning on withdrawing troops, but that “we may move some around a little bit.”
‘PUTIN IS PUSHING THE LIMITS’: EASTERN ALLIES WARN TRUMP NOT TO PULL US TROOPS
Wicker and Rogers praised Trump for the statement and added: “U.S. force posture in Europe needs to be updated as NATO shoulders additional burdens and the character of warfare changes. But that update must be coordinated widely both within the U.S. government and with NATO.”
The lawmakers took issue with the timing of the decision, pointing out that just weeks ago
Russian drones violated Romanian airspace
. They expressed concern that moving troops “prematurely” could undermine deterrence.
“This decision also sends the wrong signal to Russia at the very moment
President Trump
is applying pressure to force Vladimir Putin to come to the table to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine,” Wicker and Rogers added.
“The president has it exactly right: now is the time for America to demonstrate our resolve against
Russian aggression
. Unfortunately, the Pentagon’s decision appears uncoordinated and directly at odds with the President’s strategy.”
Romania’s Defense Ministry said that approximately 1,000 U.S. troops would continue to be stationed in the country after the forces are scaled back,
according to Reuters
.
“The American decision is to stop the rotation in Europe of a brigade that had elements in several NATO countries,” the defense ministry said, according to Reuters.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
