Pentagon Reviews 78,000 U.S. Troops in Europe, Weighing Drawdown as Russia Fights on NATO's Border
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Nov 10
Pentagon Reviews 78,000 U.S. Troops in Europe, Weighing Drawdown as Russia Fights on NATO's Border
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Nov 10
Summary
A six-month Pentagon review is leaving about 78,000 U.S. troops in Europe uncertain about possible cuts, with results expected by the end of 2026.
Germany faces particular exposure because it hosts 37,000 U.S. troops, while any drawdown could also hit ports in Spain, air bases in England and Italy, and smaller deployments in Eastern Europe.
A 1,000-person unit in Wiesbaden — Multi-Domain Command Europe — has become a test case after being told it might move to South Korea, packing equipment last summer and still waiting for a final decision.
The review is unfolding as Russia's war continues near NATO territory and as President Trump has used troop deployments and exercises as leverage, including curbing drills with South Korea over support for the Iran war.