Pentagon Orders Withdrawal of 5,000 US Troops from Germany
Withdrawal linked to Germany's position on Iran; Russia warns of nuclear threat from F-16s in Ukraine
Quick Look
- The Pentagon has ordered the withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany over the next 6-12 months, a move described as punishment for Germany's reluctance to support US military operations against Iran.
- Russia responded by warning it will view F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine as nuclear threats.
- The withdrawal has prompted reactions from NATO allies, with Polish PM Tusk warning of NATO disintegration and German Bundestag calling it a 'wake-up call.'
AI-generated summary
The Pentagon has ordered the withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany, Assistant to the US Secretary of War for Public Affairs Sean Parnell said. The withdrawal is to be completed over the next six to twelve months.
According to the New York Times, Germany's reluctance to help the United States in military operations against Iran has caused discontent in Washington. The newspaper noted that this withdrawal is being perceived as punishment for Germany's position on Iran.
Russia has responded by warning that it will view F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine as threats in the nuclear sphere. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that during combat operations, Russian military will not distinguish whether particular jets of this class are equipped to carry nuclear weapons.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented that NATO disintegration continues, stating that the greatest threat to the transatlantic community is not posed by its external enemies.
The chairman of the Bundestag Defense Committee, Thomas Rowekamp, said the possible withdrawal of American troops from Germany on the announced scale is not a reason for panic, but another wake-up call.
US President Donald Trump also announced that the US would reduce troops stationed abroad by more than 5,000, commenting on the pullout from Germany.
