US Congress moves to restrict withdrawal of American forces from Europe and South Korea
Photo: US Army (Getty Images)
The United States has unveiled an updated version of the 2026 defense budget that further restricts any reduction of the American military presence in Europe and South Korea, aiming to preserve regional stability and reinforce Washington’s commitments to its allies, according to FOX News.
Congress formalizes troop-withdrawal limits
The finalized House–Senate defense budget agreement locks in strict ceilings: the US force posture in Europe cannot fall below 76,000 troops without a formal national-security assessment and explicit congressional approval confirming that such a move would not endanger U.S. or NATO security.
A parallel safeguard applies to South Korea, where troop levels may not drop below 28,500 personnel unless the administration proves that deterrence against North Korea remains intact and that allies have been appropriately consulted.
The bill also codifies the requirement to preserve the position of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), a role traditionally held by a US general, elevating this practice to statutory law.
Washington and allied reactions
Recent discussions in policy circles raised the possibility of revisiting US overseas force structures, including reductions in Europe and adjustments to NATO engagement. Although the Pentagon distanced itself from any such plans, Congress opted to enshrine additional protections to prevent abrupt or politically motivated drawdowns.
During diplomatic engagements with European governments, US officials emphasized that Europe must assume a greater share of collective-defense responsibilities in the coming years. At the same time, they reiterated that the United States does not intend to substantially reduce its European footprint and plans to maintain key strategic commands within NATO.
Ukraine-related provisions
The legislation allocates 400 million dollars over two years for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. It also specifies the narrow conditions under which the Pentagon may reclaim equipment originally earmarked for Ukraine but not yet delivered. Retrieval is permissible only when urgently required for US operational needs or when the transfer poses unacceptable risks to personnel.
The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act outlines 901 billion in total defense spending, exceeding the Trump administration’s May request by roughly 8 billion and marking a historically high level of US national-security expenditure.
Broader geopolitical context
Moscow has publicly welcomed elements of the revised US national security strategy, while stressing that it will judge Washington’s intentions strictly by concrete actions rather than rhetoric. Russian officials highlighted US references to de-escalation and dialogue, yet remain cautious about the durability of such commitments.
