American troop withdrawal fears rise amid USA‑Russia talks

Negotiations between the USA and Russia began in Riyadh and are causing major European concerns. According to "Bild", there is a risk that they may lead to the withdrawal of American troops from many European countries. Although US President Donald Trump rules out a complete withdrawal, European security services fear a reduction in military presence may occur.

According to the newspaper's sources, Eastern European officials are worried about fulfilling Russia's 2021 demands that US troops be withdrawn from NATO countries that joined after 1990.

Experts warn of a potential incursion of Russian forces into the Baltic countries and the escalation of conflict with Poland, the newspaper notes.

Former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis emphasises that Russia may demand NATO return to the 1997 borders and withdraw from most Central European countries. This situation could leave Europe unprotected against potential Russian aggression.

"Bild" reports that Italy is also preparing for the possible withdrawal of US troops from Kosovo. In such a scenario, the entire responsibility for security in the Balkans would fall on Europe. German diplomats, cited by "Bild", describe such a development as "highly probable".

The newspaper indicates that only the bases in Ramstein and air bases in the British Isles are entirely out of the question.

Regarding the American presence in Europe, Polish President Andrzej Duda spoke in Warsaw with Gen. Keith Kellogg, Donald Trump's special envoy for the war in Ukraine. "There are absolutely no American intentions regarding reducing activity here in our part of Europe, especially in the area of security, reducing the number of American soldiers," Duda said after the meeting.