U.S. Weighs Withdrawing Tens of Thousands of Troops From Europe Despite Russian Threat

US General Chris Donahue, outgoing US commander of NATO's land forces in Europe, inspects the troops in Valga, Estonia, on the border with Latvia, during a NATO Change of Command ceremony on June 30, 2026 in Valka (Latvia) or Valga (Estonia). A joint German-Dutch army corps (1GNC) is taking command of NATO land forces in Latvia and Estonia. Officially transitioning on June 30, 2026, this move establishes a dedicated second corps headquarters on the eastern flank to speed up reinforcements and command combat operations in the Baltic region. (Credit: Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP via Getty Images)

The Pentagon is considering withdrawing tens of thousands of U.S. troops, aircraft, ships and weapons from Europe despite warnings from NATO allies about Russian aggression, according to NBC News.

Seven current and former U.S. and Western officials told the outlet that one option could remove roughly 25,000 troops, about a third of the approximately 80,000 currently stationed in Europe. Two people familiar with the deliberations said reductions could reach 40,000, or about half the force. No decision has been made.