Romania’s defense ministry on Wednesday confirmed that the United States has informed its NATO allies of plans to scale back its troop presence along Europe’s eastern border with Ukraine as Washington reassesses its global security priorities.
The decision has sparked unease among NATO members, who fear a potential security gap amid rising tensions with Russia.
Currently, around 80,000 to 100,000 U.S. troops are stationed across Europe, supporting NATO’s deterrence efforts.
Romania’s statement said the U.S. move would “stop the rotation in Europe of a brigade that had elements in several NATO countries,” including a key base in Romania.
The Trump administration has been conducting a comprehensive review of America’s military posture in Europe and other regions, with final conclusions expected early next year.
NATO, meanwhile, has been reinforcing its eastern defenses bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine following multiple airspace violations involving drones, balloons, and Russian aircraft.
The alliance has not yet issued an official response, but several European leaders have voiced concern over the potential weakening of NATO’s forward deterrence against Moscow.
