US resolved – will withdraw troops from Europe

The United States will start discussions with its European allies to reduce US troops in Europe later this year, NATO Ambassador Matthew Whitaker said on Friday.

Asked to comment on information that the Trump administration was considering withdrawing troops from Europe, Whitaker said « nothing has been resolved. »

« But as soon as we do, we will have these conversations in the NATO structure, » Whitaker said.

He said the conversations would begin after a NATO summit in Hague in June.

In addressing a conference on security in Estonia Whitaker, the United States would discuss any changes in troops with its allies to avoid security gaps.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Haget told NATO allies in February that « harsh strategic realities prevent the United States from focusing mainly on Europe’s security. »

The Atlantic has announced in March that Haget and Vice President Jay Di Vance have complained about European allies in a chat group.

Such comments fueled European fears about the US commitment to NATO, along with Trump’s threats not to protect members who spend too little defense, as well as to support Ukraine’s struggle against the Russian invasion.

Whitaker said the United States is not withdrawing: « The United States will remain in this union and we will be a great friend and a great ally. »

He warned the European Union not to restrict European defense equipment purchases to European companies, saying that it would undermine NATO’s operational compatibility, delayed Europe’s re -equipment, increase costs and suffocate innovations.