**US Holds Back on Reducing Military Presence in Europe**
The United States has not made a final decision on cutting its military presence in Europe, the Pentagon press office announced on April 8. This statement comes as US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have been pressing European allies to take greater responsibility for the continent’s security.
According to NBC News, senior U.S. defense officials are considering reducing the number of troops stationed in Europe by as much as half. However, the Pentagon says that no decision has been made yet and that the US commitment to NATO remains strong. The US expects European allies to lead Europe’s conventional defense.
**US Troops Remain in Poland and Baltic States**
Despite the uncertainty surrounding troop reductions, U.S. forces remain stationed across Poland, Romania, and the Baltic states as part of NATO’s deterrence and reassurance posture. This presence is intended to reassure allies and demonstrate a commitment to regional security.
**Ukraine Conflict Continues**
In other news, Ukrainian air defenses shot down 32 Russian drones overnight, with eight decoy drones disappearing from radars without causing damage. The conflict in Ukraine continues, with Russian forces closing in on the Donetsk Oblast town of Pokrovsk. The US supplies coking coal to offset losses due to mine suspensions.
**US and Europe to Review Defense Spending**
As NATO faces growing pressure to raise defense spending, Trump has called for increasing the alliance’s benchmark from 2% to 5% of GDP. This target far exceeds current commitments by most members. Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen recently warned that Europe must create a clear, coordinated roadmap with Washington to assume a larger share of the defense burden.
**China Accused of Enabling Russia**
US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters on April 8 that China is a major enabler of Russia in the war in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky has also accused China of having citizens fighting alongside Russian forces.
**Ukraine Seeks Military Aid and Economic Support**
The Ukrainian government continues to seek military aid and economic support from Western countries, including the US and EU. The European Commission aims to halt imports from Russia and Belarus, valued at $1.41 billion in 2023, to limit revenue flowing to Moscow’s war effort.
**US Ambassador Calls for Ceasefire**
Acting U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Dorothy Shea said on April 8 that President Putin’s commitment to a ceasefire will be judged by his actions. The conflict in Ukraine remains a priority for international leaders, with ongoing negotiations and diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
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