US REDUCES TROOP NUMBERS ON NATO'S EASTERN FLANK

  The United States has announced plans to reduce its military presence on NATO’s eastern flank, particularly in regions bordering Ukraine. This decision reflects Washington’s strategic shift toward prioritizing the Indo-Pacific region amid growing competition with China. The US Army confirmed the partial withdrawal, emphasizing that it does not signal a weakening of America’s commitment to NATO or to European security. As part of this move, the 101st Airborne Division’s 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team will return to its base in Kentucky and will not be replaced in Europe. In Romania, the number of US troops will decrease from about 1,700 to 1,000, though Romanian officials highlighted that the overall American military presence across Europe still exceeds pre-2022 levels, before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Romanian Defence Minister Angel Tîlvăr stated that the adjustment corresponds to the US’s strategic reorientation toward Asia-Pacific, yet reaffirmed that the transatlantic partnership remains strong, predictable, and trustworthy. The decision, however, has raised concern among some NATO allies, particularly in Poland and Lithuania, who reportedly were not informed in advance about specific troop reductions. Despite these concerns, both Washington and regional partners insist that NATO’s deterrence posture and readiness will remain intact, with continuous military cooperation and rotational deployments ensuring security on the alliance’s eastern borders.

Link: https://tr.euronews.com/2025/10/29/abd-natonun-dogu-kanadindaki-asker-sayisini-azaltiyor