Senior U.S. defense officials are considering a significant reduction in American military presence in Eastern Europe—a proposal that could see up to 10,000 troops pulled out of the region. This move, currently under internal review by the Pentagon, is causing unease among NATO allies and raising concerns that it may embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin at a time of heightened geopolitical tension.

Proposal to Reduce U.S. Forces in Eastern Europe

The potential drawdown would target units from the 20,000 troops deployed by the Biden administration in 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These forces were stationed in countries like Romania and Poland to bolster NATO’s eastern flank and deter further Russian aggression. According to six U.S. and European officials familiar with the discussions, the Pentagon is evaluating the possibility of removing as much as half of that additional deployment.

The officials, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue, emphasised that no final decision has been made. However, if implemented, the move could reinforce fears among European leaders that the U.S. is pulling back from its longstanding commitment to collective defence under NATO. This concern is particularly acute given Russia’s continued military buildup and aggression in the region.

Seth Jones, a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, warned that Moscow would likely interpret the U.S. reduction as a weakening of NATO’s deterrence posture. “The Russians would assess a downsizing of U.S. forces as a weakening of deterrence, and it will increase their willingness to meddle in various ways across the spectrum in Europe,” he said.

Strategic Realignment Toward China and Domestic Priorities

The discussions around a European troop reduction come amid President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to shift U.S. military focus away from Europe. The administration seeks to prioritise countering China and enhancing domestic security, including efforts along the southern border. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined this new vision in February during his first overseas visit in Brussels, saying, “Stark strategic realities prevent the United States of America from being primarily focused on the security of Europe.”

Elbridge Colby, who is expected to soon be confirmed as the Pentagon’s top policy adviser and third-ranking official, has also publicly argued for a more Asia-centric U.S. defense posture. He has advocated for scaling back military commitments in Europe and reducing support for Ukraine to redirect resources toward confronting the growing challenge from China.

This strategic pivot has not gone unchallenged. At a recent Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., expressed concern over the direction of defence planning. “There are some who believe now is the time to reduce drastically our military footprint in Europe,” Wicker said, without naming specific officials.

“I’m troubled at those deeply misguided and dangerous views held by some midlevel bureaucrats within the Defence Department. They’ve been working to pursue a U.S. retreat from Europe, and they’ve often been doing so without coordinating with the secretary of defense.”

When contacted for comment, the Pentagon did not respond. The U.S. Army also declined to provide a statement. However, the National Security Council defended the administration’s approach. “The President is constantly reviewing deployments and priorities to make sure he keeps America First,” said NSC spokesperson Brian Hughes in a statement to NBC News.

Budget Cuts and Operational Shifts

The proposal to withdraw troops comes as the Pentagon faces budgetary pressure under the Trump administration. Reducing troop numbers in Europe could free up funding for operations in the Indo-Pacific region, which officials have labelled as the top strategic priority. It could also help the Army allocate more resources toward advanced weapons and next-generation defence technology.

Currently, approximately 80,000 U.S. troops are stationed across Europe. After Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, bipartisan support in Congress backed an increased military presence along NATO’s eastern frontier as a direct signal of U.S. commitment to regional defence. Lawmakers from both parties had viewed this as essential to deterring further Russian aggression.

However, Trump’s policy has veered sharply from his predecessor's. While President Biden pledged unwavering support to Ukraine, including military and financial aid “for as long as it takes,” Trump has taken a markedly different approach. He is advocating for a quick end to the war and has been pressuring Ukraine to make concessions.

Recently, he suspended U.S. military and intelligence assistance for one week following a public disagreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump has not made any long-term commitments to continue U.S. aid to Kyiv.

European Security and NATO Deterrence at Risk

The potential reduction in American forces has sparked concern among defense experts and NATO allies. Ben Hodges, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general who formerly led U.S. forces in Europe, questioned the rationale behind the troop drawdown. “You’ll have a lot less deterrent capability,” he said. “Now Poland obviously is growing its capability, the Romanians are, other European countries are, but that’ll be a hole that’ll have to be filled.”

Meanwhile, Russia is undergoing a major restructuring and modernisation of its military forces. A recent intelligence report from Denmark, released in February, noted that Russia is increasing weapons production and updating military equipment. The report also warned that if the war in Ukraine ends or enters a ceasefire, Russia could potentially launch a large-scale offensive in Eastern Europe within five years, particularly if NATO fails to reinforce its defenses.

Strategic Shift and the Future of NATO

As the Pentagon continues to evaluate troop levels in Europe, the outcome could have significant implications for NATO unity, US-European relations, and the balance of power in Eastern Europe. The move reflects a broader realignment of American defense priorities, but critics warn that such a decision may send the wrong message to adversaries and allies alike.

The world watches closely as internal U.S. defence deliberations unfold, with potential long-term consequences for security on both sides of the Atlantic. The proposed troop withdrawal, if approved, may mark a turning point in the transatlantic alliance, raising questions about America’s future role in global security and the readiness of European nations to assume greater responsibility.