Susanna Riva The Pentagon is studying a plan that could involve the withdrawal of approximately 25.000 U.S. troops from Europe, with the possibility of extending the reduction to up to 40.000 . The operation would include not only troops, but also aircraft , ships , and weapons, marking the largest reduction in the American military presence on the continent since the end of the Cold War.
The Pentagon's decision-making stages
The measure stems from a six-monthly review announced in June, scheduled to conclude on November 6 with a final recommendation to the US Defense Chief. The document will first be reviewed by Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Alexus Grynkewich, and then presented to Pete Hegseth, before finally reaching President Donald Trump.
If the proposal is approved, the countries most affected will be Germany, Spain , and Italy, where the main bases are currently concentrated.
Reactions from the European Union and the Ukrainian context
Meanwhile, the European Commission confirmed the provision of 3,3 billion euros to Kiev for the purchase of missiles and drones, underlining the need to strengthen Ukraine's air defense.
Ursula von der Leyen also declared her intention to activate additional funds from the Safe programme for a joint European missile systems project, in response to continued Russian aggression.
Tensions have also escalated into airstrikes: two Russian jets violated Lithuanian airspace, forcing Italian Eurofighters to intervene to escort the Russian aircraft out of the NATO zone. Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has proposed the creation of a single European envoy for the war in Ukraine, arguing that this would bring greater cohesion to the Union.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia was planning hybrid drone and missile attacks against NATO allies, aiming to undermine the Alliance's solidarity and make Article 5 seem theoretical. In the same weeks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced preparations for long-range operations against Russia, reaffirming his resolve to respond to persistent threats.
Further developments in the region
A Russian drone attack in Zaporizhia injured eight people, while Turkey presented a memorandum to cease attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea. Furthermore, Kiev is preparing for a possible meeting between Zelensky and Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, with the hope of negotiating an energy and maritime ceasefire.