Description: In line with the recent meetings between high level ranking diplomats from the US and Russia, European countries have stated growing fears that the US might consider withdrawing its troops from NATO’s Eastern flank. The speculation comes as Trump has openly confronted Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskyy and accused him of starting the war with Russia. In contrast, the Trump administration showcased substantially lighthearted approach towards Russian diplomatic efforts. Military and intelligence experts raised concerns after speculating that one of Moscow’s requests could be the withdrawal of US troops from countries which entered the Alliance post 1990. The Kremlin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has denounced such claims, but he mentioned that Russian ambitions to subdue US troop presence in Europe weren’t a secret.
Impact: Russia would aim to fully exploit the dissolution of relations between the US and NATO allies as their negotiating position regarding the Ukraine question is more than comfortable. European countries need to adapt towards becoming militarily and defensively independent as the US’ conservative approach in its foreign policy is leaning towards distancing the US from NATO. The potential withdrawal of troops could severely endanger European stability as most countries from Eastern Europe enjoy the defensive guarantees that US troops on the ground represent. Russia would additionally increase ground offensives in Ukraine and elevate the level hybrid warfare on the continent in order to generate a more favorable conditions in a potential Ukraine peace agreement.