The U.S. has confirmed it will not reduce the number of troops stationed in Estonia, Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur (Reform) said on Wednesday, following months of speculation about the USA’s withdrawal from Europe.
On Wednesday morning, the Romanian Ministry of Defense announced that the number of U.S. forces in the country would be lowered from around 2,200 to 1,000. Media reports suggest there could also be a reduction in Bulgaria, Slovakia and Hungary.
The U.S. announced earlier this year that it was planning to cut the number of troops stationed in Europe as it turns its focus to the Indo-Pacific. It boosted its presence in the region after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Pevkur said Washington has made a “significant decision” to maintain its military presence in Estonia.
The minister told ERR on Wednesday evening: “Regarding the troops stationed in Estonia, we have a positive decision – the United States has informed us that our cooperation will continue as it has so far. I’ve also sent them the message that we are ready to deepen that cooperation.”
Read more: ERR.EE
