Retired U.S. Army General Ben Hodges has expressed concern over the possibility of reducing American military presence in Kosovo and across Europe, warning that such a move would be a mistake while the war between Russia and Ukraine continues.
In an interview, Hodges commented on recent troop movements under the administration of Donald Trump and on concerns raised by several U.S. congressmen who urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio not to withdraw American troops from Kosovo.
Hodges said any reduction of U.S. forces in Europe at this time would weaken perceptions of American credibility and strategic commitment.
“I think any reduction of U.S. troops in Europe at this moment is a mistake,” Hodges said. “Russia is waging a war on European soil against Ukraine and conducting ‘gray zone’ operations across much of Central and Eastern Europe.”
He added that reducing the American presence would send “the wrong signal to the Kremlin” regarding U.S. resolve, while also raising doubts among allies about Washington’s reliability.
Speaking specifically about Kosovo, Hodges stated that withdrawing or reducing troops before relations between Kosovo and Serbia are fully normalized would be premature.
“I would think that any reduction would be premature while negotiations or discussions between Kosovo and Serbia are still ongoing,” he said.
Although Hodges believes European countries should assume greater responsibility for their own defense, he stressed that the current geopolitical climate does not favor a reduction in American military engagement in Europe.
