European politicians believe the US could withdraw about 20,000 American troops from the region, the number that former President Joseph Biden reinforced European forces at the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, The Washington Post writes, citing three diplomatic sources.
A NATO diplomat, quoted by US media, said he would not be surprised if at some point those troops "return to their base in the United States." They emphasize that if a withdrawal occurs, it could range from a symbolic withdrawal to Europe's worst fears, and the consequences will depend on the number of troops and how quickly, officials and analysts say.
He added that European leaders would like to ensure that, if a withdrawal occurs, it is not the result of negotiations between the US and Russia, amid an unexpected resumption of dialogue between Moscow and Washington.
The Washington Post points out that Trump's rapprochement with Russia "has resurfaced the European nightmare that Washington will accede to Moscow's demands that NATO withdraw from Eastern Europe," which "would leave Russia's neighbors vulnerable before the Europeans strengthen their defenses."
Earlier, the new US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, said that Europe must ensure its own security. "Preserving European security should be an imperative for European NATO members," Hegseth said.
Citing the US European Command, the Washington Post notes that the number of US forces in Europe as of 2022 ranged from 75,000 to 105,000, with about 63,000 troops permanently deployed, while the rest are on rotation, moving in and out of the region. Germany has more than 35,000 US troops, the largest number in Europe, at a multitude of bases across the country.
The sprawling U.S. military presence goes beyond defending Europe, diplomats note. It is also about projecting American power and serving American interests. Ramstein Air Base in Germany, a critical U.S. hub in Europe, is regularly used for U.S. operations far beyond the continent. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
