US to Discuss NATO Troop Cuts Amid Rising Tensions

The United States is preparing to discuss a potential reduction of its military presence in Europe with European NATO allies, with formal talks expected after the NATO summit in The Hague later this year. US officials, including Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Vice President JD Vance, have cited longstanding preferences and frustration over European defense spending shortfalls as driving factors. Although no final decisions have been made, Whitaker assured allies that any changes would be carefully coordinated to avoid security gaps and that the US remains committed to NATO. European nations have voiced concerns about the US commitment to the alliance amid these developments. In parallel, the Ukraine-Russia conflict saw the first peace talks in three years conclude without progress, while reports indicate Ukraine lost hundreds of millions of dollars to undelivered arms deals. These regional challenges further complicate the European security landscape.