Romania Confirms Partial Drawdown of American Forces
The United States will scale back some of its troop presence in Eastern Europe, Romanian defense officials announced this week. The move affects rotational forces currently stationed at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base and other bases across the region. While exact numbers were not released, Romania’s Defense Ministry said roughly 1,000 U.S. troops will remain in the country to maintain ongoing operations and training with NATO allies.
Adjustment, Not Withdrawal, Says Washington
American and NATO officials described the change as a “posture adjustment” rather than a withdrawal, emphasizing that the U.S. commitment to European defense remains strong. A NATO spokesperson said Washington continues to maintain one of the largest U.S. troop footprints in Europe since the end of the Cold War. The decision follows a review of rotational deployments introduced after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Allies Monitor Strategic Impact
The announcement prompted attention from neighboring allies including Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovakia, where similar U.S. deployments have supported NATO’s eastern defenses. Analysts say the adjustment reflects a broader reassessment of force distribution as the U.S. balances commitments between Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Romanian officials stressed that cooperation with American forces will continue uninterrupted through joint exercises and defense initiatives.
