The deployment will maintain a presence of about 100,000 Americans on the continent
The United States will send more than 10,000 new troops to Europe. They are expected to replace troops deployed in the region after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many “East” NATO military bloc.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby confirmed the deployment at a news conference Friday, noting that “Security environment has changed now” In this region due to the conflict in Ukraine.
“Recruitments will replace one unit at a time, which will leave our overall strength in the region – about 100,000 – unchanged.” Kirby told reporters. “Replacement units will return to their home station after a reasonable turnover of duty.”
The troop turnover is expected to continue throughout the summer, the spokesman said. However, he added that the military could soon “Take a look at the permanent footprints in Europe and make an assessment” It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post
Before Moscow sent troops to Ukraine in late February, the number of U.S. troops in Europe was about 80,000, some stationed there permanently, others deployed training with NATO partners.
As some members of the bloc, such as the Baltic state of Lithuania, have pushed for a larger and more sustainable U.S. military presence in recent months, U.S. officials have offered ways to meet those demands, including building new bases.
“My advice would be to build a permanent base, but not a permanent one [US troops]” The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Millie, told lawmakers last month. He argued that, in practice, long-term deployment would mean, e.g. “Rotational power” Can cycle through “Permanent base.”
“And I believe that many of our European allies … are very willing to establish permanent bases.” Millie added. “They will build them, they will pay for them.”
