Significantly less American troops will be removed from Europe than previously planned, writes Bloomberg.
According to the agency, the Pentagon revised its plans and now intends to withdraw from Europe not 25,000 troops, as US allies expected, but only 5,000. Today, approximately 80,000 American soldiers are stationed on the continent.
The change in plans was influenced by the willingness of NATO countries to increase defense spending, as well as the awareness of how effective the US military's fighting in the Middle East depends on the forces stationed in Europe, reports Bloomberg. "We have a lot of resources here, located exactly where we need them. I don't expect big changes," said Matthew Whittaker, the US permanent representative to NATO.
Most of the upcoming cuts are expected to affect Germany, where the largest American delegation is stationed. At the same time, NATO's eastern wing, according to the agency, will be strengthened. It was reported that countries bordering Russia expressed their willingness to bear some of the costs themselves. The final decision will be made by US President Donald Trump, the report will be presented to him on December 1.