US troop withdrawals from Europe don’t harm NATO defences, says top commander
NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, General Alexus Grynkewich, stated that the recent withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany does not compromise NATO's defenses. He emphasized that as European allies enhance their military capabilities, the US can redeploy forces to address other global priorities. Despite concerns over President Trump's commitment to NATO, European nations plan to address these issues at an upcoming foreign ministers' meeting.
- ▪General Grynkewich reassured that the troop withdrawal does not impact NATO's regional plans.
- ▪The withdrawal followed tensions between President Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the war in Iran.
- ▪European NATO members are working to improve relations ahead of a summit with President Trump in July.
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US troop withdrawals from Europe don’t harm NATO defences, says top commanderSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxNATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, taking part in a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels on May 19.PHOTO: AFPPublished May 20, 2026, 12:16 AMUpdated May 20, 2026, 12:17 AMListenSummariseNATO's top commander, US Gen Grynkewich, said President Trump's withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany does not hurt alliance defences.The sudden withdrawal, after an Iran war spat, worried allies about Trump's NATO commitment, despite prior US warnings of redeployments.Europe will seek to smooth relations at a foreign ministers' meeting and plans to show increased defence spending at a July Trump summit.AI generatedBRUSSELS -…
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