**European Allies Warn US Against Uncoordinated Troop Reduction in Europe**
In a move that has sparked concern among European nations, the United States is considering scaling back its military presence on the continent. According to reports from Bloomberg, European governments are urging Washington to coordinate any reduction of its troops to avoid destabilizing NATO’s eastern defenses.
This comes as the Trump administration plans to reduce American troop deployments in Eastern Europe. Officials familiar with the matter have revealed that European governments fear being caught off guard if they don’t receive early warnings about US troop reductions. This is particularly worrying, given the disruption to normal communication channels due to the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
The concerns of European allies stem from the fact that U.S. troops in Europe serve not only a military purpose but also project political power. Despite growing pressure from Washington, European nations are pushing back against plans for uncoordinated troop withdrawals, emphasizing the need for NATO unity.
**NBC News Reveals Consideration of 10,000 Troop Withdrawal**
The recent reports have sparked further alarm among European nations. NBC News reported on April 8 that senior U.S. defense officials are considering withdrawing up to 10,000 troops from Europe – nearly half of the contingent deployed after Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022.
However, the Pentagon has clarified that no final decision has been made yet regarding troop reductions in Europe. Meanwhile, the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command announced the redeployment of military personnel and equipment from Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport in southeastern Poland to other bases in the country.
**European Nations Call for Coordination**
The appeal by European allies comes at a time when there is growing pressure on NATO members to take on more defense responsibilities. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump have repeatedly called on NATO allies to shoulder more of the continent’s defense burden.
Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen recently warned that Europe must develop a coordinated roadmap with Washington to gradually take over more security responsibilities. This echoes the concerns of European nations, who are urging Washington to work with them to avoid destabilizing NATO’s eastern defenses.
**Key Developments in Ukraine Conflict**
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has seen significant developments in recent days. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 32 of the 55 attack and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight, according to reports from the Air Force. Eight decoy drones disappeared from radars without causing damage.
In a separate incident, Russian forces have closed in on the Donetsk Oblast town, prompting Ukraine’s Defense Ministry to suspend operations at a mine near Pokrovsk, which supplies coking coal. The U.S. is providing assistance to offset this loss, with supplies meant to support Ukraine’s military efforts.
**Commentary**
The warning by European allies against uncoordinated troop reductions in Europe highlights the complexity of NATO unity and cooperation. As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, it is essential for Washington to work closely with its European partners to ensure a coordinated response that maintains stability on the continent.
In light of these developments, it remains unclear how the US will proceed regarding troop reductions in Europe. However, one thing is certain – the need for coordination and cooperation among NATO allies has never been more pressing than now.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
