US soldiers operate pusher vessels across Danube river during a military exercise in Frecatei, eastern Romania, on June 13, 2025. DANIEL MIHAILESCU / AFP
The United States said on Wednesday, October 29, it would pull out some troops from NATO's eastern flank but denied the move amounted to an American withdrawal from Europe, as analysts warned it could embolden Russia. Officials were quick to downplay the reduction in personnel, which comes amid a review of US military deployments worldwide that has worried European allies concerned about President Donald Trump's commitment to the continent.
"This is not an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to NATO and Article 5," the US Army in Europe and Africa, said in a statement, referring to the alliance's collective defense principle.
Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO and insisted that Europe boosts military spending and takes more responsibility for its defense as Ukraine battles Russia's invasion.
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