US to review, reduce number of its troops in Europe
On Friday, during a visit to Washington, Pevkur, with counterparts from Latvia and Lithuania, met with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to discuss cooperation aimed at enhancing transatlantic ties, the ERR broadcaster reported.
"As for the position of the US troops on a global scale, it is now under review... This process is being carried out in cooperation with the Supreme Commander of Forces in Europe and NATO headquarters. It is possible that more precise figures will be announced in the autumn," Pevkur told the ERR.
The focus of the United States' attention is now shifting to the Indo-Pacific region, the military presence of its troops in Europe will decrease, however, Hegseth "could not answer exactly to what extent," Pevkur also said.
In early July, the Euractiv portal reported that European NATO members started preparing for a possible reduction in the number of US troops on the continent. These countries are convinced that US President Donald Trump will reduce the number of forces there, now amounting to about 80,000 people, and redirect them to Asia and the Middle East, the news portal added.
Since his return to office in January, US President Donald Trump has been pushing the idea of greater military spending by US partners, including the members of NATO. The June 24-25 NATO summit in The Hague raised the target threshold for defense spending by alliance members to 5% of GDP, which countries are expected to reach by 2035.
In recent years, Russia has been flagging up NATO's unprecedented activity near its western borders. NATO is expanding its initiatives and calling it "containing Russian aggression." Moscow has repeatedly expressed concern about the buildup of alliance forces in Europe. The Kremlin noted that the Russia did not threaten anyone, but would not ignore actions potentially dangerous to its interests.
UNI SPUTNIK AAB
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
36 dead, 2 lakh displaced: Why Thailand & Cambodia just called for a ceasefire after 5 days of border clashes
After five days of intense fighting along their disputed border, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an unconditional and immediate ceasefire. The announcement was made by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who hosted the mediation talks in Putrajaya on July 28. The clashes, which left at least 36 people dead and over 200,000 displaced, showcased the deadliest bout of violence between the two Southeast Asian neighbours in more than a decade. Both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai were present at the talks, along with ambassadors from China and the US. The ceasefire agreement, effective from midnight on July 28, was reached following intervention from multiple regional and international players, including US President Donald Trump. Cambodia and Thailand agree an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" with effect from midnight What triggered the recent border clashes? The fighting between Thailand and Cambodia broke out on July 24, escalating quickly with reports of heavy artillery and Thai airstrikes. While both sides accused each other of starting the conflict, tensions had already been rising since a Cambodian soldier was killed during a skirmish in late May. The two countries share an 817-km border, with several stretches. Disputes over ancient temples—especially the 11th-century Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom—have long strained relations. The International Court of Justice awarded Preah Vihear to Cambodia in 1962, but a fresh wave of tension erupted in 2008 when Cambodia sought to list it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Skirmishes since then have led to deaths on both sides. Cambodia has denied Thai claims of targeting civilians, accusing Thailand of putting innocent lives at risk. On the other hand, Thailand has said Cambodia escalated the conflict, leading to the deaths of 13 Thai civilians and 8 Cambodians. A message to my international friends, both Thai and Cambodia agreed to cease fire unconditionally effecting 12:00AM tonight GMT +7. I will still be off to provinces at 03:00AM tonight to donate to affect families.#JusticeForCambodia #CambodiaWantsPeace Malaysia steps in, backed by US and China Malaysia offered to mediate once the border conflict intensified. The mediation effort was supported by both China and the US. Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim invited both Thai and Cambodian leaders to his official residence in Putrajaya. US President Donald Trump also played a crucial role, speaking to both leaders and warning that no trade deals would be signed unless the conflict ended. Hun Manet confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the meeting was held to reach a ceasefire, which had been 'initiated by US President Donald Trump' and agreed to by both governments. Malaysia, which currently chairs the ASEAN bloc, hosted the talks with an aim to restore stability in the region. Anwar told reporters that the leaders had 'expressed their positions and willingness' for a ceasefire, describing it as a 'vital first step' toward de-escalation and a return to peace. I just had a very good call with the Prime Minister of Cambodia, and informed him of my discussions with Thailand, and its Acting Prime Minister. Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace. They are also looking to get back to the 'Trading Table' with the… What happens next? Despite the ceasefire announcement, both Thailand and Cambodia reported clashes in some border areas even on the day of the agreement. Hun Manet described the outcome of the talks as 'a condition for moving forward for our bilateral discussion to return to normalcy of the relationship.' While Cambodia has asked the International Court of Justice to step in, Thailand continues to prefer a bilateral approach and has not recognised the court's jurisdiction. The fundamental disagreements over the historical boundary lines remain unresolved. The latest violence serves as a reminder of how quickly long-standing territorial disputes can spiral into deadly conflict. Whether this ceasefire holds depends on how sincerely both governments follow through with diplomatic talks in the days ahead.
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Makes you feel little...': Trump says US gave $60 million for food in Gaza but no one said 'thank you'
President Trump expressed disappointment that the US wasn't thanked for providing $60 million in food aid to Gaza, while also claiming European countries offered no assistance. This comes amid growing concerns over hunger in Gaza and criticism of Israel's conduct during the 21-month war. Israeli pressure groups have warned of a "genocidal regime" in Israel. Trump claimed that, two weeks ago, the US gave $60 million (£45 million) worth of food to the Palestinians in Gaza Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Trump says he deserves thank you for Gaza aid Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment thanked him for sending money meant to go toward food aid for Gaza that nobody as Palestinians continue to die everyday. The commander-in-chief was speaking in Turnberry in Scotland alongside European Commission president Ursula von der Trump was asked if Israel should be doing more to get aid into Gaza, Trump claimed that, two weeks ago, the US gave $60 million (£45 million) worth of food to the Palestinians in Gaza, adding that he deserved to be thanked for this.'You know, we gave $60 million two weeks ago and nobody even acknowledged it, for food,' he said. 'And you really want at least someone to say 'thank you'. No other country gave anything. It makes you feel a little bad when nobody talks about it.''Nobody said, 'Gee, thank you very much,'' he continued. 'And it would be nice to have at least a thank you.' The president did not specifically say where the $60 million he referenced came from or to whom it was also claimed "none of the European countries have given anything" before adding that "it would be nice to get at least a "thank you."Last month, Reuters reported that the State Department approved $30 million for the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Aid groups, lawmakers and the United Nations have condemned GHF for bringing starving families to food distribution sites only for Israeli soldiers and US mercenaries to open fire on the GHF launched in May, Israeli forces have killed more than a thousand Palestinians seeking aid, the United Nations human rights office Israeli military on Sunday began a limited pause in fighting in three populated areas of Gaza for 10 hours a day, part of measures including airdrops as concerns grow over surging hunger and as Israel faces international criticism over its conduct in the 21-month of the other countries Trump is presumably referring to financially supports GHF. Some Arab countries have also delivered humanitarian assistance and given money toward Gaza relief.'It's a mess, that whole place is a mess,' Trump said Sunday of Gaza.'We're giving a lot of money and a lot of food and a lot of everything,' he continued. 'If we weren't there, I think people would have starved, frankly. They would have starved. And it's not like they're eating well.' Trump said he spoke over the weekend to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said the military will continue fighting in Gaza during the Israeli pressure groups B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights warned in a joint statement on Monday of what they called the development of a "genocidal regime in Israel, working to destroy Palestinian society in Gaza.""Nothing prepares you for the realisation that you are part of a society committing genocide. This is a deeply painful moment for us," said B'Tselem executive eirector Yuli Novak.(With AFP inputs)
United News of India
36 minutes ago
- United News of India
Pahalgam attack 'mastermind ' among 3 terrorists killed in Srinagar gun battle
Srinagar, July 28 (UNI) Security forces today achieved a major success when they shot dead three terrorists, one of them suspected to be an alleged mastermind behind the Baisaran Pahalgam attack, in a gun battle in the upper reaches of Dachigam on Srinagar outskirts, top sources said. The forces achieved the success on a day when a debate on Operation Sindoor began in Parliament. While the encounter is being termed a major success, officials have yet to confirm the identities of the three slain terrorists. Official sources said the one of those killed is a Pakistani terrorist of Lashakr-e-Taiba Suleiman Shah alias Hashim Musa, the alleged mastermind behind the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 25 tourists and a local dead and brought India and Pakistan on the brink of a full-fledged war. After the Pahalgam's Baisaran attack, the Jammu and Kashmir Police had announced a Rs 20 lakh reward on anyone providing information about Suleiman, and two others. Two other terrorists were also killed in today's operation in the Harwan area which was named by the Army as Operation Mahadev. The encounter erupted this morning when joint teams of forces launched a combing operation in the area following an input that terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack might have moved towards the Dachigam area. The Army's Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said three terrorists have been neutralised in an intense firefight. Security forces have recovered a M4 and AK-47 rifles, grenades and other arms and ammunition during the encounter. UNI MJR PRS
