NATO expects US troop cuts from Europe to take years
NATO anticipates that the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Europe will take several years. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich stated that the process is designed to allow European allies to develop their own military capabilities. European officials express concern that a rapid U.S. troop reduction could leave the continent vulnerable to potential threats, particularly from Russia.
- ▪The U.S. plans to withdraw more troops from Europe, but the process will take years.
- ▪General Grynkewich emphasized that the withdrawal is meant to give allies time to build their capabilities.
- ▪European governments are worried that a hasty U.S. troop withdrawal could expose them to military threats from Russia.
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NATO expects US troop cuts from Europe to take yearsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 20, 2026, 01:13 AMUpdated May 20, 2026, 01:19 AMListenBRUSSELS, May 19 - The U.S. will pull more troops from Europe but the process will stretch over years to give allies time to develop capabilities to replace them, NATO's top commander said on Tuesday.U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich was speaking after decisions by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to withdraw some 5,000 troops from Germany and cancel deployment of long-range Tomahawk missiles.European officials were surprised by the timing of the troop announcement and by U.S. officials linking it to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's criticism of the U.S.
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