Europe expects the US to withdraw thousands of troops stationed in the region after Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, three European diplomats told The Washington Post.
They noted that the large US military presence goes far beyond protecting Europe. It is also about projecting American power and serving American interests. The "Ramstein" Air Base in Germany, a major US hub in Europe, is regularly used for US operations far beyond the continent.
Diplomats said that even before Donald Trump became US president for the second time, the US administration warned European allies that the country's priorities would shift elsewhere, including in the Indo-Pacific region.
Diplomats stressed that about 20,000 US troops are expected to be withdrawn to Europe.
"I wouldn't be surprised if at some point these troops return to their home base in America," one of the sources said.
Analysts told reporters that if European peacekeeping troops were sent to Ukraine as part of a security guarantee, it could hamper Washington's efforts to fill potential gaps elsewhere as part of negotiations with the US administration. Trump.
The publication recalls that Europe also hosts a significant American contingent, which is involved in the command and control of troops. According to data from the US European Command, the number of American military personnel in Europe by 2022 is between 75,000 and 105,000 servicemen, of whom about 63,000 are permanently stationed there.
In addition, the publication emphasizes that the US provides high-tech capabilities to its European allies. Some of them are designed for surveillance and long-range strikes.
Earlier, the "Bloomberg" agency reported that the US may withdraw some of its troops from Europe. The chairman of the Alliance's Military Committee announced "certain US commitments in the Indo-Pacific region".
In addition, the Italian publication ANSA, citing an unnamed European diplomat, wrote that US President Donald Trump wants to withdraw tens of thousands of US soldiers from Europe. This would mean reducing the contingent by about 20 percent.