US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany will not disrupt NATO’s defense plans in Europe. This was stated on Tuesday by the supreme commander of NATO’s allied forces in Europe, Alexus Grynkewich, Mrfrom which further movements of American forces can be expected. It was reported by the Reuters and AFP agencies, writes TASR.
“I would like to emphasize that this decision will not affect the feasibility of our regional plans,” Grynkewich told reporters in Brussels after a meeting of the NATO Military Committee at the level of the Chiefs of General Staff.
“As allies strengthen their capabilities, the United States can pull back its forces and use them for other global priorities, so I’m very comfortable with our current situation,” said the American general, pointing to the assumption of greater responsibility by European NATO members and Canada.
Washington’s decision came after a spat between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran war and surprised NATO allies. The Trump administration has long told European nations that it is considering withdrawing troops as it focuses on other threats around the world. “We should expect a redeployment of US forces over time as allies build their capabilities,” Grynkewich said. “I can’t give an exact time frame, it will be a gradual process over several years.”
The sudden announcement reinforced concerns about Trump’s commitment to the alliance. The head of the White House sharply criticized Europe for its response to the American-Israeli war with Iran and repeatedly threatened that he may consider withdrawing from NATO. European countries will try to ease tensions this week at the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Sweden, to which the head of American diplomacy, Marco Rubio, will also arrive. The alliance is also preparing for a July summit in Turkey, where it wants to demonstrate to Trump an increase in European defense spending.
