NATO and Berlin Downplay Risks of US Troop Withdrawal From Germany

The Alliance expressed confidence in its deterrence capabilities despite the loss of 5,000 US troops, while Germany emphasized its ongoing military expansion and increased defense spending. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied A rafale fighter jet prepares for take off on the deck of the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle during the NATO military exercise Neptune Strike 26-2, off the coast of the Greek island of Crete, on April 27, 2026. (Photo by Angelos TZORTZINIS / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google NATO remains confident in its defense and deterrence capabilities following the announcement that the United States may withdraw approximately 5,000 service members from Germany . A spokesperson for the Alliance stated on X that NATO is working closely with Washington to understand the details of the force posture adjustment. The spokesperson noted that this shift underscores the necessity for European nations to assume a greater share of responsibility for shared security. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . This follows an agreement reached at the NATO Summit in The Hague last year, where allies committed to investing 5% of their GDP into defense. We are working with the U.S. to understand the details of their decision on force posture in Germany. This adjustment underscores the need for Europe to continue to invest more in defence and take on a greater share of the responsibility for our shared security - where we’re… German defense minister Boris Pistorius responded to the planned drawdown by asserting that Germany is “on the right track” to strengthening its own security. He highlighted the expansion of the Bundeswehr, faster equipment procurement, and the ongoing development of military infrastructure as evidence of Berlin’s commitment to filling potential gaps. The Pentagon’s proposed withdrawal is linked to President Donald Trump’s dissatisfaction with European allies , particularly Chancellor Friedrich Merz , over their lack of support in the ongoing US war against Iran. US officials have characterized the move as a strategic reallocation of resources toward the Indo-Pacific and domestic zones. Despite the reduction, critical US facilities in Germany, such as Ramstein Air Base and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, are expected to maintain normal operations. Germany currently hosts more than 36,000 US troops, the largest American contingent outside of Japan . Other Topics of Interest Trump Claims US Could Take Control of Cuba ‘Almost Immediately’ The US president suggested a single aircraft carrier could force a Cuban surrender after the war with Iran ends, as Washington imposes new sanctions and a naval blockade on the island. To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter Contact Us Please leave your suggestions or corrections here Cancel Send Kyiv Post Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.