US Military Troop Reduction Underway in Romania, Sparking Concerns in Eastern Europe

Wed Dec 10 2025 14:13:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The United States is set to decrease its troop presence on NATO's eastern flank, as Romania announces a reduction from 1,700 to approximately 900-1,000 soldiers. This shift is seen as a realignment of priorities under the Trump administration, raising alarms about regional security amidst increasing Russian aggression.

The US is reducing its troop strength in Romania from 1,700 to about 900-1,000 as part of a planned transition that reflects new military priorities. Officials assert this change does not indicate a withdrawal from NATO commitments. Concerns are rising in Eastern Europe about the implications for security following recent Russian military movements.

US Military Troop Reduction Underway in Romania, Sparking Concerns in Eastern Europe

Romania's defense ministry has reported that the United States intends to reduce the number of troops stationed on NATO's eastern flank, with troop levels decreasing from 1,700 to around 900-1,000 based in Romania. This structural change aligns with the new military priorities set by the Trump administration, according to official statements.

The Pentagon has emphasized that this reduction does not represent a withdrawal from Europe or a decrease in commitment to NATO and its Article 5 obligations, which state that an attack on one ally is an attack on all.

Romanian Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu noted that one US brigade stationed at the Mihai Kogalniceanu airbase would be rotated out without being replaced, although the US presence at bases in Deveselu and Campia Turzii remains unchanged.

Defence ministers from other Eastern European countries, such as Poland, have indicated that they have not received any indications of similar troop reductions affecting their regions, even as anxieties grow over potential Russian aggression.

Since President Trump's inauguration, there has been a clear intent to pivot US military focus away from Europe toward the Indo-Pacific region, reinforcing calls for European NATO members to take greater responsibility for their defense. In contrast, recent developments in Eastern Europe, such as incursions by Russian drones, have heightened security concerns.

While NATO officials have reaffirmed that US military commitment to the alliance remains strong, with adjustments being a normal occurrence, the situation has generated unease among Eastern European nations, who are echoing fears of future vulnerabilities.

As of now, the US retains over 100,000 military personnel in Europe, with ongoing NATO missions like Eastern Sentry aimed at enhancing vigilance along the eastern flank following several recent incidents of Russian military activities.