The US is reducing its military presence in Europe.

VTV.vn - NATO's Supreme Commander said the US will withdraw more troops from Europe, but this process will take many years to give allies time to develop alternative capabilities.

The Joint Multinational Training Center of the U.S. 7th Corps Training Command in Hohenfels, Germany, April 30, 2026 (Photo: Getty Images)

The Supreme Commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich of the U.S. Air Force, spoke following the Trump administration's decision to withdraw approximately 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany and cancel the deployment of Tomahawk long-range missiles.

European officials were surprised by the timing of the announcement of the US reduction in its military presence in the region and by the fact that US officials linked the decision to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's criticism of Washington's strategy in the Iran conflict.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of NATO military leaders in Brussels, Belgium, Supreme Commander Grynkewich said the decision was the only move he knew of "in the near future." He added that the reduction in the US military presence in Europe would not affect the alliance's ability to implement its defense plans.

According to European allies, they have responded to President Trump's call to increase defense spending and take greater responsibility for the continent's security. However, they fear that a hasty withdrawal of US troops and weapons could leave Europe vulnerable should it be drawn into conflict.

Supreme Commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Europe - General Alexus Grynkewich (Photo: Getty Images)

Mr. Grynkewich indicated that there would be further withdrawals of US troops from Europe – currently around 80,000 soldiers – but this would occur as European forces reinforced to fill the gap.

"As the European pillar of the alliance strengthens, this will allow the U.S. to reduce its presence in Europe and limit itself to providing essential capabilities that allies are not yet able to provide on their own," Grynkewich said. "I can't give an exact timeline. It will be an ongoing process over several years."

Speaking in Brussels after a meeting with NATO military leaders, Grynkewich said that European allies and Canada would take on more responsibility in Europe's conventional defense capabilities, while the US would continue to support key capabilities.

NATO's Supreme Commander affirmed that a reduction in the US military presence in Europe would not undermine the alliance's defense plans in the region.

Officials and analysts say NATO depends on the U.S. for many critical capabilities, such as command and control systems, satellite-based intelligence and communications, strategic bombers, and the U.S. nuclear umbrella.

Source: https://vtv.vn/my-giam-hien-dien-quan-su-o-chau-au-10026052105423093.htm