NATO: U.S. troop withdrawal will not undermine defence plans in Europe
Gen. Alexus Grynkewich downplayed concerns over Washington's decision to pull an armored brigade out of theater, confirming Tuesday that NATO’s regional defense plans remain fully executable. The commander's reassurance comes as the Pentagon halts planned deployments to Germany and Poland to comply with a presidential order to bring U.S. troop presence back to pre-2022 levels.
- World
- Reuters
- Published Date: 06:12 | 19 May 2026
NATO's top commander Alexus Grynkewich said on Tuesday that a U.S. decision to withdraw an armoured brigade, or a total of 5,000 troops, from Europe will not undermine the alliance's defence plans in the region.
Grynkewich, speaking in Brussels where he met with military chiefs from NATO countries, added that European allies and Canada are taking more responsibility for the conventional defence in Europe with continued backing from the U.S. capabilities, which are being adjusted.