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Pentagon officials have been debating whether to replace more than 4,000 U.S. troops deployed to Eastern Europe to support NATO countries and deter Russia, with some arguing their presence is no longer necessary, according to three defense officials.
In early 2022, the Pentagon began sending additional U.S. troops to NATO allies in Eastern Europe amid concerns that Russia would invade Ukraine. The goals were to deter Russia from invading, to reinforce the U.S. presence in the region, and to shore up allies concerned that Russia’s conflict with Ukraine could spill across their borders. Since then, the units have been replaced twice, each time by a headquarters element and a brigade combat team.
Those soldiers are expected to return home in early 2024. But as Pentagon officials look at options for which units could assume the mission next, there is a debate about whether to replace them at all. Some Pentagon officials argue that the troop presence has not deterred Russia and is not necessary, and that the troops and funds could be used elsewhere, according to the three defense officials.
Other U.S. military officials have argued that the continued presence is important to show support for NATO and allies, and to ensure Russia knows the United States is not turning away from Ukraine, the officials said. |
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