The NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe confirmed that the US troop withdrawal from Europe does not impact the defense of member countries and indicated that similar events will occur again in the future.
On Tuesday, 19 May 2026 GMT+7, General Alexus Grinkevich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, told reporters that US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany does not affect NATO allies' defense.
“I want to emphasize that this decision does not affect our ability to operate according to our regional plans,” General Grinkevich said, warning that similar personnel adjustments are likely to happen again in the future.
“While allied nations build up their own capabilities, the US can pull back some forces to deploy them on other critical missions worldwide. Therefore, I feel very comfortable with our current situation.”
This sudden move from Washington came after severe disputes between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over war with Iran, leaving allied nations unprepared.
However, the Trump administration had long informed European countries that the US was considering withdrawing troops to focus on other global threats.
“We should expect further US military personnel adjustments over time as allies gradually enhance their capabilities,” General Grinkevich said. “I cannot specify an exact timeline now; it will be an ongoing process lasting several years.”
Although European NATO members have tried to downplay the impact of the US troop withdrawal, the abrupt announcement has intensified concerns about Trump's commitment to the NATO alliance.
Previously, the US president harshly criticized Europe for not supporting the war with Iran. Spain was among the countries firmly refusing to participate, while others initially hesitated to allow the US to use their bases for launching attacks on Iran.
Europe will attempt to mend fractures and worsening relations at the NATO foreign ministers meeting in Sweden later this week, which US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend.
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Source:cna