Updated

The Pentagon is reportedly weighing proposals to significantly reduce the US military footprint in Europe, potentially withdrawing as much as one-third of American troops stationed on the continent. The plan, still under consideration, would mark a major shift in US defense posture and could have significant implications for NATO's deterrence strategy against Russia. The proposal comes amid broader debates in Washington over the cost and strategic value of maintaining large overseas deployments, and follows heightened tensions with Russia over its war in Ukraine. European officials have not yet formally responded, but any significant drawdown would likely raise concerns among NATO allies already grappling with warnings about Russian hybrid threats to the continent.