After Trump announced the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Romania are scrambling to ensure the presence of more American troops in their territories.
At least five NATO countries on Europe’s eastern border are moving to welcome US troops to their territories after US President Donald Trump had 5,000 or more troops withdrawn from Germany. According to , Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Romania have expressed interest in hosting more US troops.
“I firmly believe that a stronger American presence on the eastern border is necessary. We would welcome a permanent U.S. presence on our territory,” Romanian Deputy Defense Minister Sorin Moldovan told POLITICO. “Romania has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the Strategic Partnership with the US and has shown itself to be a reliable partner,” he added.
“We need more troops,” Romanian Defense Minister Radu Miruță confirmed to journalists at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
It’s not the only one. Last week, both Polish President Karol Nawrocki and his Lithuanian counterpart Gitanas Nausėda said they were ready to receive more US troops in their territories. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže echoed this sentiment on Monday. And a spokesperson for the Estonian Defense Ministry told POLITICO that the country “highly values the U.S. contribution and supports an expanded American military presence to ensure strong deterrence and defense throughout the Baltic region.”
European leaders’ public appeals were complemented by behind-the-scenes maneuvering. At least one delegation from an allied country approached U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker to make their case directly, a diplomatic source told POLITICO.
These countries see the presence of American troops in their territories as a guarantee of security and a deterrent to a possible advance by Russia. This is one of the reasons why they have been discreet in their criticism of Trump and supported the war in Iran. It remains to be seen whether they have the necessary conditions to receive the American military.
The Pentagon has not yet made a final decision on which troops will be affected by the reduction in Germany, according to an American official, who requested anonymity. It is also unclear whether these troops will be transferred to another European country or whether they will return to the United States.
