The Romanian Ministry of Defense announced that it has been informed of a review and partial withdrawal of US troops stationed on NATO’s eastern flank, as part of a broader reassessment of the United States’ global military posture.
“Elements of the brigade deployed to Romania at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base will halt their rotations in Europe,” the ministry stated, emphasizing that the decision was expected and coordinated with the United States, Romania’s strategic partner.
The ministry explained that the US force review is part of new priorities outlined by the American administration since February, and also takes into account NATO’s reinforced presence and activity in Eastern Europe, which allows the US to adjust its military positioning in the region.
The decision concerns the rotation of a brigade with elements in multiple NATO countries, the Romanian ministry added.
Despite the partial withdrawal, nearly 1,000 US soldiers will remain deployed in Romania, continuing to contribute to deterrence and regional security while representing the United States’ ongoing commitment to the alliance.
Reports of a possible US troop reduction in Eastern Europe have circulated for months, but official confirmation from both Bucharest and Washington had not been released until now. At the start of 2025, over 1,700 US soldiers were stationed in Romania, primarily at Mihail Kogalniceanu, Deveselu, and Campia Turzii bases, with about 1,400 at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base alone.
Romanian Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu told Radio Free Europe in early October that the Mihail Kogalniceanu base hosts around 2,000 US troops. He added:
“We are awaiting the presentation of the US National Defense Strategy, which will be released soon. We will see whether they maintain their presence and position on NATO’s eastern flank in Europe… Romania remains an important partner for the United States.”
