Olga Koval 00:50, 03.05.26 UNIAN
Such steps by the US were expected, says German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the reduction of the US military presence in Europe underscores the need for European countries to take more responsibility for their own security, following a US decision to withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany, Reuters reports .
Pistorius said the partial withdrawal of American soldiers was expected.
He said Europeans must take more responsibility for their own security. He noted that Germany is on the right track by expanding its armed forces, accelerating military procurement and building infrastructure.
The US explained the decision as a review of its global military presence. The withdrawal of troops will affect some units stationed in Germany, which currently hosts the largest contingent of US troops in Europe.
NATO said it was continuing to coordinate with Washington and assessing the implications of the changes.
Republicans Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers, the chairs of the Senate and House Armed Services committees, said they were “very concerned.” They said troops should not be withdrawn from Europe but should be redeployed east.
“Prematurely reducing America’s forward presence in Europe before these capabilities are fully realized risks undermining deterrence and sending the wrong signal to (Russian President) Vladimir Putin,” the senators said in a joint statement.
Withdrawal of US troops from Europe
The day before, the Pentagon announced the withdrawal of 5,000 American troops from Germany amid escalating disagreements between President Donald Trump and Europe over war with Iran, Reuters writes.
It should be noted that Donald Trump’s announcement of such a decision surprised the Pentagon – they did not expect this and did not plan any troop reductions, a representative of the US Congress familiar with the situation is sure. However, he noted that the president’s statements should not be underestimated.
https://www.unian.ua/world/nimechchina-pistorius-vidreaguvav-na-vivedennya-viysk-ssha-13369833.html
Where are those Taurus missiles? Hot air won’t protect the continent.
It’s ironic that the US stationed so many troops in Europe to stop Germany from rebuilding an army, now they complain about Germany not spending enough on military.