The first official US position regarding its military in Romania: “This does not represent an American withdrawal from Europe. On the contrary”

The reduction of the military presence in Romania “does not represent a withdrawal of America from Europe,” the United States Department of War said on Wednesday, adding that, on the contrary, it is a “positive sign of the increase in European capacity.

“As part of the Secretary of War's deliberate process to ensure a balanced posture of U.S. military forces, the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division will retire as scheduled to its base unit in Kentucky without being replaced,” U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command said.

The brigade of this legendary 101st Airborne Division began its rotation in the spring in Romania for nine months, after they completed another rotation here in 2022. Now no more American soldiers will come in their place.

“This does not represent an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of diminishing commitment to NATO and Article 5. On the contrary, it is a positive sign of increased European capacity and responsibility,” the War Department said in a brief press release.

“Our NATO allies are responding to President Trump's call to assume primary responsibility for the conventional defense of Europe. This force posture adjustment will not change the security environment in Europe. The US maintains a robust presence throughout the European theater and maintains the ability to deploy forces and capabilities to meet theater objectives and support US priorities, including President Trump's commitment to defend NATO allies,” the document added.

MApN announced on Wednesday morning that Romania and NATO allied countries were informed of the decision of the United States regarding the “resizing” of American troops in Europe. According to MApN, “approximately one thousand American soldiers will remain deployed” in Romania.

The announcement came after the Ukrainian publication Kyiv Post wrote, citing American and European sources, that the Donald Trump Administration is about to withdraw “thousands of American soldiers” from Romania.

According to MApN, among the elements of the brigade that are to stop rotating in Europe, there are also forces destined for Romania, from the Mihail Kogălniceanu air base. Previously, HotNews.ro sources had said that, if there are reductions in American forces in Romania, these troops from Mihail Kogălniceanu will be targeted.

“The decision was expected, Romania being in permanent contact with the American strategic partner. The resizing of the US forces is an effect of the new priorities of the presidential administration, announced as early as February. The decision also took into account the fact that NATO has strengthened its presence and activity on the Eastern Flank, which allows the United States to adjust its military posture in the region”, MApN said.