US may withdraw some troops from Eastern Europe - NBC News
Illustrative photo: The United States may withdraw some troops from Eastern Europe (Getty Images)
The Pentagon is currently considering a proposal to withdraw up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe. However, the scenario is causing concern on both continents, NBC News reports.
The units that could be affected by the possible decision are part of the 20,000 troops that former US President Joe Biden deployed in 2022 to strengthen the defense of countries bordering Ukraine.
6 US and European officials, who requested anonymity, said that if the Pentagon supports the proposal, it would increase fears that the United States is abandoning its longtime allies in Europe.
"The Russians would assess a downsizing of U.S. forces as a weakening of deterrence, and it will increase their willingness to meddle in various ways across the spectrum in Europe," said Seth Jones, senior vice president with the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
According to NBC News, the final number of troops that may be withdrawn from Eastern Europe has not yet been agreed upon.
US may withdraw troops from Europe
Recently, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that his country has no plans to withdraw from NATO. At the same time, he emphasized that the Alliance members should increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte denied the US plans to withdraw troops from Europe.
Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen noted that the United States should provide the European Union with a roadmap on how to proceed in the event of a withdrawal of US troops from the European continent.
