Wicker criticized the withdrawal of US troops from Germany and, earlier, the withdrawal of a rotational infantry brigade from Romania. In both cases, a senator of the ruling party criticized the Ministry of Defense for the lack of consultation with Congress and allies and considered these decisions as an inappropriate signal sent to Russia. He also warned the Pentagon not to make similar decisions in the future without informing Congress. He also called for the forces withdrawn from Germany to be moved to the eastern flank of the Alliance.
Back in March, during a hearing on the deployment of forces in Europe, Wicker asked the head of the European Command, General Alexus Grynkewich, about the importance of maintaining two armored brigades in Poland. In response, the general assured that they were crucial to deterring Russia.
Senators on the Pentagon's decision. “I'm terrified of this”
Another committee member, Democratic senator Tammy Duckworth from Illinois, was also outraged by reports of the reduction of American forces in Europe.
— I just heard about it and I'm terrified. I'm trying to find out more. I haven't heard any explanations from the Pentagon yet. If they informed me about it, I would say it was a bad idea because we should support our Polish allies – she said in an interview with PAP.
Another Democrat in the Senate, deputy head of the Foreign Affairs Committee Jeanne Shaheen, admitted that she also learned about the case from the media. She emphasized that she was against reducing the number of US forces in Europe and added that if the withdrawal of 5,000 soldiers from Germany takes place, these soldiers should go to the eastern flank of the Alliance.
Will the US reduce its contingent in Poland? Conflicting information
Last Friday, US President Donald Trump said that he “could” transfer troops withdrawn from Germany to Poland.
Both Polish diplomats and those from other countries on the eastern flank, including: Lithuanians and Romanians.
