US Troop Reductions on NATO's Eastern Flank Concern Eastern Europe

Thu Oct 30 2025 04:36:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Romania's defense ministry confirms the US will cut troop numbers in the region from 1,700 to around 900-1,000. This shift prompts worries amidst growing tensions with Russia.

The US defense ministry has announced plans to reduce its military presence in Romania, decreasing troop numbers significantly from 1,700 to between 900 and 1,000. This move, attributed to new priorities from the Trump administration, has raised concerns among Eastern European nations amid fears of Russian aggression. While NATO officials confirm continued US commitment, the reduction in forces highlights a geopolitical shift towards the Indo-Pacific region. Romania's military bases will maintain certain US troop levels, but uncertainty lingers about potential troop withdrawals in neighboring countries.

Romania's defence ministry has stated that the US intends to reduce some of its troops stationed on NATO's eastern flank.

Between 900 and 1,000 American troops will remain in Romania, Bucharest indicated, down from 1,700.

The ministry characterized the decision as expected and explained that the 'resizing' of US forces was a reflection of the new priorities from the Trump administration.

The Pentagon emphasized that this decision does not signify a 'withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to NATO and Article 5.'

Article 5 asserts that NATO members will come to the defense of any ally that faces an attack, serving as a critical deterrent against potential Russian aggression.

Defence Minister Ionut Mosteanu mentioned that US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth recently communicated the necessity for European nations to enhance their defense capabilities, noting a shift of US focus toward the Indo-Pacific region.

The planned rotation-out of one US brigade at the Mihai Kogalniceanu airbase, which is set to be NATO's largest in Europe, will not be replaced, according to Mosteanu.

This brigade has components operating in Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary, leading to questions regarding whether US troop levels in those countries will also be impacted.

Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz reported that Warsaw has 'no information' about a potential reduction of US troops stationed in Poland.

Mosteanu confirmed that the presence of US troops at Romania's Deveselu and Campia Turzii bases would remain unchanged.

Since taking office in January, President Trump has made clear his desire to pivot US military commitments away from Europe toward the Indo-Pacific, encouraging European NATO members to take greater responsibility for their own defense.

However, this announcement regarding troop reductions in Romania has raised alarm in Eastern Europe, where nations fear potential aggression from Russia.

A NATO official responded to Bucharest's announcement by asserting that Washington's commitment to the NATO alliance remains 'clear,' and that adjustments to troop levels 'are not unusual.'

The adjusted US troop posture in Europe continues to exceed levels from previous years, with deployments higher than they were before 2022.

Currently, the US maintains a presence of over 100,000 military personnel in Europe, reflecting sustained commitments to the region.

Last month, NATO introduced a mission named Eastern Sentry, aiming to enhance alertness along the entire eastern flank in response to heightened tensions, including recent incursions by Russian drones in Polish and Romanian airspace.