US Troop Reduction in Romania: Implications for NATO's Eastern Flank

Thu Oct 30 2025 23:20:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Romania's defense ministry has announced that the United States plans to decrease its military presence on NATO's eastern front, a move that could reshape defense dynamics in Eastern Europe amid growing concerns about Russian aggression.

The U.S. is set to reduce its troop count in Romania from 1,700 to between 900 and 1,000, leading to the withdrawal of one brigade stationed at Mihai Kogalniceanu airbase. The Romanian defense minister indicated this adjustment reflects a strategic shift by the U.S. towards the Indo-Pacific region, urging European allies to enhance their defense capabilities. Concerns mount in Eastern Europe regarding potential vulnerabilities, particularly in light of recent Russian drone incursions. NATO officials reaffirmed America's commitment to the alliance, stating that even with this reduction, U.S. forces in Europe remain significant.

Romania's defence ministry has reported that the United States intends to reduce its military presence on NATO's eastern flank, a move that has raised eyebrows across Eastern Europe.

The total number of American troops stationed in Romania will drop from 1,700 to between 900 and 1,000, according to Bucharest officials.

This reduction aligns with an anticipated strategy adjustment from the Trump administration, emphasizing a shift towards the Indo-Pacific region as more resources are allocated there.

Romanian Defence Minister Ionut Mosteanu clarified that a U.S. brigade located at the Mihai Kogalniceanu airbase will be rotated out without replacement. This brigade has broader operations across Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary, although it remains unclear if U.S. troops in these nations will also experience reductions.

Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that they have not received any notifications regarding a troop reduction in Poland.

Despite these changes, Minister Mosteanu emphasized that the presence of U.S. troops at the Deveselu and Campia Turzii bases would remain unchanged.

The Trump administration's focus on reducing U.S. military commitments in Europe has alarmed some Eastern European nations given the historical tensions with Russia, particularly in light of recent aerial incursions, notably Russian drones breaching airspace in Romania and Estonia.

A NATO official, addressing the situation, assured that the U.S. remains committed to NATO, stating that such adjustments are common and that overall U.S. military presence in Europe exceeds levels seen prior to 2022.

There are approximately 100,000 American military personnel stationed in Europe currently. In response to recent security threats, NATO has initiated a mission named Eastern Sentry, aimed at bolstering alliance vigilance along the eastern border.

Concerns linger in Eastern European countries regarding the ramifications of decreased U.S. support, especially amid fears of a potential Russian offensive in the future.