U.S. Enlarges Its Military Footprint In Eastern Europe, To Mixed Reviews
8 years, 10 months ago

U.S. Enlarges Its Military Footprint In Eastern Europe, To Mixed Reviews

NPR  

U.S. Enlarges Its Military Footprint In Eastern Europe, To Mixed Reviews Enlarge this image toggle caption Daniel Mihailescu/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Mihailescu/AFP/Getty Images The most tangible sign of a growing American military presence in Eastern Europe, behind the former Iron Curtain, is tucked inside a former military base in rural Romania. toggle caption Gabriel Amza for NPR "It is fully compliant with existing arms control regimes," U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work said at the groundbreaking in Poland. Rose says the alliance has "been clear for over 20 years that U.S. and NATO missile defense are not directed against Russia, nor do they have the technical capability to undermine Russia's strategic deterrence." Enlarge this image toggle caption Gabriel Amza for NPR Gabriel Amza for NPR Workers were also busy improving roads across from the Navy base last week in a housing complex known as the "Airmen Neighborhood."

Europe Poland Defense Military Ukraine Russian Moscow American Base Eastern Nato Npr Baltic Romanian Nato Countries Its Military Eastern Europe Romanians Biedron Deveselu Slupsk Gabriel Amza  base  russian  europe  nato  eastern  mixed  military  reviews  caption  romanian  american  defense  footprint  enlarges

History of this topic

Europe working on plan to replace US in NATO in five to 10 years: Report
1 week, 2 days ago

Europe working on plan to replace US in NATO in five to 10 years: Report

Al Jazeera  

NATO members seek to avoid possible chaos should the US declare its withdrawal from the transatlantic military bloc. Europe’s biggest military powers are drawing up plans to take on greater responsibilities for the continent’s defence from the United States, including a pitch to the administration of President Donald Trump, for a managed transfer over the next five to 10 years, …

A worried NATO holds large-scale combat drills as the U.S. shifts its Europe stance under Trump
1 month, 1 week ago

A worried NATO holds large-scale combat drills as the U.S. shifts its Europe stance under Trump

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has demanded that allies dramatically …

A worried NATO holds large-scale combat drills as the U.S. shifts its Europe stance under Trump
1 month, 1 week ago

A worried NATO holds large-scale combat drills as the U.S. shifts its Europe stance under Trump

Associated Press  

SMARDAN, Romania — NATO members continued their largest combat exercises of 2025 on Wednesday, testing their ability to rapidly deploy large-scale forces on the 32-nation alliance’s eastern border as worries grow over its most powerful member, the United States. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has demanded that allies dramatically ramp up military spending and said U.S. security priorities lie elsewhere — …

A worried NATO holds large-scale combat drills as the U.S. stance on Europe shifts under Trump
1 month, 1 week ago

A worried NATO holds large-scale combat drills as the U.S. stance on Europe shifts under Trump

LA Times  

Soldiers from a NATO member country run across a beach during the Steadfast Dart 2025 military exercise involving some 10,000 troops at a training range in Smardan, Romania, on Wednesday. Days before the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Steadfast Dart 2025 drills comprise about 10,000 military personnel from nine nations as part of NATO’s new Allied …

NATO tests new deployment model without US ahead of Ukraine war anniversary
1 month, 2 weeks ago

NATO tests new deployment model without US ahead of Ukraine war anniversary

Associated Press  

NEA ANCHIALOS, Greece — NATO is testing its ability to rapidly deploy across eastern Europe — without direct U.S. assistance — as Washington shifts its approach toward European defense and the war in Ukraine. Greek and Spanish marines led Thursday’s military demonstration, an amphibious assault near the central Greek city of Volos, in the first full-scale operational deployment of NATO’s …

NATO CANNOT defend Europe from Russia without US, alliance's eastern leaders warn, weeks before Trump enters the White House
3 months ago

NATO CANNOT defend Europe from Russia without US, alliance's eastern leaders warn, weeks before Trump enters the White House

Daily Mail  

The leaders of three NATO countries that border Russia have warned that the defence bloc simply isn't ready to fight Vladimir Putin's forces without the US. Donald Trump told his European allies that he will demand NATO member states to increase their defence spending to 5% of GDP A Tomahawk Missile being launched from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS …

Poland rolls out plans for fortifications along its border with Russia and Belarus
10 months ago

Poland rolls out plans for fortifications along its border with Russia and Belarus

Associated Press  

WARSAW, Poland — Defense officials in NATO member Poland on Monday presented a plan to strengthen anti-drone surveillance and on-ground military defense through a system of fortifications and barriers along about 700 kilometers of its eastern border with Russia and Russian ally Belarus. The government says Poland, which supports neighboring Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s aggression, is being targeted …

Central and Eastern European countries mark 20 years in NATO with focus on war in Ukraine
1 year ago

Central and Eastern European countries mark 20 years in NATO with focus on war in Ukraine

Associated Press  

VILNIUS, Lithuania — Several central and Eastern European countries began marking on Thursday the 20th anniversary of the largest expansion of the NATO military alliance when formerly socialist countries became members of the bloc. However, we in Lithuania are calm because we know that we will never be alone again,” said President Gitanas Nauseda, standing near the runway where the …

NATO to hold its biggest exercises in decades next week, with 90,000 personnel
1 year, 2 months ago

NATO to hold its biggest exercises in decades next week, with 90,000 personnel

LA Times  

Three senior NATO officers speak at a news conference at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels on Thursday. NATO will launch its biggest military exercises in decades next week, with about 90,000 personnel set to take part in months of drills aimed at showing that the alliance can defend all of its territory up to its border with Russia, according to …

Ukraine tops NATO summit agenda along with defense plans, Sweden’s membership and Belarus fears
1 year, 8 months ago

Ukraine tops NATO summit agenda along with defense plans, Sweden’s membership and Belarus fears

Associated Press  

VILNIUS, Lithuania — Russia’s war in Ukraine will top the agenda when U.S. President Joe Biden and his NATO counterparts hold a summit in Lithuania’s capital over two days starting Tuesday. They are expected to focus on ensuring that Ukraine has support as long as the conflict continues, how to bring the country even closer to NATO without actually joining, …

NATO readies military plans to defend against bruised but unbowed Russia
1 year, 8 months ago

NATO readies military plans to defend against bruised but unbowed Russia

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

NATO readies military plans to defend against bruised but unbowed Russia
1 year, 8 months ago

NATO readies military plans to defend against bruised but unbowed Russia

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — Russia’s armed forces are bruised but by no means beaten in the war in Ukraine, a top NATO military officer said Monday, as he laid out the biggest revamp to the organization’s military plans since the Cold War should Moscow dare to widen the conflict. “So, we should never underestimate the Russians and their ability to bounce back.” …

NATO readies plans to defend itself against a bruised but unbowed Russia
1 year, 8 months ago

NATO readies plans to defend itself against a bruised but unbowed Russia

LA Times  

U.S. servicemen run during an exercise at an air base near the Black Sea port of Constanta, Romania, in March. Russia’s armed forces are bruised but by no means beaten in the war in Ukraine, a top NATO military officer said Monday, as he laid out the biggest revamp of the organization’s military plans since the Cold War in case …

NATO has gone into high gear as the war in Ukraine continues
1 year, 9 months ago

NATO has gone into high gear as the war in Ukraine continues

NPR  

NATO has gone into high gear as the war in Ukraine continues As the war in Ukraine intensifies, NATO is stepping up training to increase readiness among its members, including maneuvers this month on NATO's eastern flank in Romania. AILSA CHANG, HOST: As the war in Ukraine drags on, NATO has gone into high gear, taking in new members and …

NATO eastern flank members want to boost support for Ukraine at alliance summit in July
1 year, 9 months ago

NATO eastern flank members want to boost support for Ukraine at alliance summit in July

Associated Press  

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — NATO allies should aim to further boost their support for Ukraine and for its aspiration to become a member of the alliance, the leaders of nine Central and Eastern European countries said Tuesday. “We aim for a more robust, multi-year, and comprehensive support package for Ukraine, which will reinforce its defence capabilities also by implementing NATO standards …

NATO to hold nuclear exercise despite Russian warnings
2 years, 5 months ago

NATO to hold nuclear exercise despite Russian warnings

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — NATO will push ahead with long-planned nuclear exercises next week despite rising tensions over the war in Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin’s insistence that he is not bluffing about using all available means to defend Russian territory, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday. “If we now created the grounds for any misunderstandings, miscalculations in Moscow about our willingness …

US to boost troop numbers in Europe amid Russian threat
2 years, 9 months ago

US to boost troop numbers in Europe amid Russian threat

ABC  

President Joe Biden says the US will significantly expand its military presence in Europe, as part of reshaped plans for the continent's security. Key points: The US will keep 100,000 troops in Europe for the "foreseeable future", up from 80,000 Two additional squadrons of F-35 fighter jets will be sent to the United Kingdom NATO has branded Russia the biggest …

U.S. to bolster its military in Europe
2 years, 9 months ago

U.S. to bolster its military in Europe

The Hindu  

President Joe Biden said Wednesday that the U.S. is enhancing its military presence in Europe for the long haul to bolster regional security after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Madrid at the opening of the alliance’s annual leaders summit, Mr. Biden said “NATO is strong and united" and that steps to be taken during …

Biden announces US military reinforcements across Europe
2 years, 9 months ago

Biden announces US military reinforcements across Europe

Al Jazeera  

Biden to boost US land, sea and air military presence in several European nations as Russia’s war in Ukraine rages on. President Joe Biden has announced the deployment of United States military reinforcements across Europe in an effort to counter Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine. Meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Madrid on Wednesday for the opening …

NATO to boost its forces, equipment on eastern flank
2 years, 9 months ago

NATO to boost its forces, equipment on eastern flank

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — NATO defense ministers on Thursday discussed ways to bolster forces and deterrence along the military alliance’s eastern borders to dissuade Russia from planning further aggression in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine. “This will mean more NATO forward-deployed combat formations, to strengthen our battlegroups in the eastern part of the alliance, more air, sea and cyber defenses, …

NATO’s eastern nations want better protection from alliance
2 years, 9 months ago

NATO’s eastern nations want better protection from alliance

Associated Press  

BUCHAREST, Romania — Nine NATO nations on the alliance’s eastern flank held talks Friday in Romania ahead of a key NATO summit later this month, with some leaders urging NATO to step up protections for them in light of Russia’s protracted war against Ukraine. “The alliance needs to be able to defend every inch of its territory.” “The result we …

US readies for long-term European security ramp-up after Russia’s invasion
2 years, 11 months ago

US readies for long-term European security ramp-up after Russia’s invasion

CNN  

CNN — The top US military general this week endorsed creating permanent US bases in Eastern Europe as a response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine, saying that American bases on NATO’s eastern flank would act as a deterrent to Moscow. While the budget was largely prepared before Russia’s invasion, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said last week that the budget …

NATO agrees to bolster eastern flank, increase aid to Ukraine
3 years ago

NATO agrees to bolster eastern flank, increase aid to Ukraine

Al Jazeera  

NATO to send more battle groups to eastern Europe and will boost Ukraine’s defence against potential chemical attack. “Today, NATO leaders agreed to reset our deterrence and defence for the longer term to face a new security reality,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters on Thursday following an extraordinary meeting in Brussels. Further support to Ukraine will include anti-tank …

Ukraine War May Lead To Rethinking Of U.S. Defense Of Europe
3 years ago

Ukraine War May Lead To Rethinking Of U.S. Defense Of Europe

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING WASHINGTON — Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine and his push to upend the broader security order in Europe may lead to a historic shift in American thinking about defense of the continent. CHRISTOF STACHE via Getty Images In just the past two months, the U.S. presence in Europe has jumped from about 80,000 troops to …

How the US can turn Europe into Putin’s nightmare
3 years ago

How the US can turn Europe into Putin’s nightmare

Live Mint  

As the world grapples with crafting an effective response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s illegal and immoral invasion of democratic neighbor Ukraine, three key approaches have emerged. The third central tactic is to give Putin exactly what he doesn’t want: A more united North Atlantic Treaty Organization with far more military power close to Russia’s borders. That was as the …

How many US troops could help Ukraine and where are they stationed?
3 years, 1 month ago

How many US troops could help Ukraine and where are they stationed?

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy President Joe Biden is reportedly considering moving American troops in …

First contingent of 800 American troops arrives at Russia's doorstep in the Baltics
3 years, 1 month ago

First contingent of 800 American troops arrives at Russia's doorstep in the Baltics

Daily Mail  

The first U.S. troops have arrived in Latvia, which shares a border directly with Russia, as NATO reinforces its eastern flank after Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine. Early Thursday, a small force of 40 troops from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, known as the Sky Soldiers, arrived in Latvia from their home base in Italy, the US Embassy in …

West warns of Russia beefing up military presence along Ukraine border amid Moscow's pullback claims
3 years, 1 month ago

West warns of Russia beefing up military presence along Ukraine border amid Moscow's pullback claims

India Today  

There is a growing Russian military presence at Ukraine's borders, Western countries warned on Wednesday, as Estonia said battle groups were moving ahead of a likely attack to occupy "key terrain," contradicting Moscow's insistence of a pullback. Russia's defence ministry said its forces were pulling back after exercises in southern and western military districts near Ukraine, and Moscow's ambassador to …

U.S. and NATO officials say they've seen no evidence that Russia has withdrawn troops
3 years, 1 month ago

U.S. and NATO officials say they've seen no evidence that Russia has withdrawn troops

NPR  

U.S. and NATO officials say they've seen no evidence that Russia has withdrawn troops Enlarge this image toggle caption Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP Officials from the U.S. and NATO say they have not seen a major withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine's borders, despite the announcement this week by President …

NATO, US say Russia is still building up troops near Ukraine
3 years, 1 month ago

NATO, US say Russia is still building up troops near Ukraine

Al Jazeera  

NATO allies question Putin’s stated desire to negotiate a solution to the Ukraine crisis as the country marks ‘Day of Unity’. The United States and NATO have said Russia is still building up troops around Ukraine despite Moscow’s insistence it was pulling back, questioning President Vladimir Putin’s stated desire to negotiate a solution to the crisis. “The threat of war …

First US troops arrive in Romania amid Ukraine-Russia tensions
3 years, 1 month ago

First US troops arrive in Romania amid Ukraine-Russia tensions

Al Jazeera  

US troops reinforcing NATO allies arrive in Romania to bolster the eastern flank against Russia as its troops amass on Ukraine’s border. The first batch of US troops reinforcing NATO allies on the eastern flank following a Russian military build-up on Ukraine’s border has arrived in Romania, Defence Minister Vasile Dincu said. “Over 100 specialist US soldiers together with our …

Newly deployed U.S. troops arrive in Europe as Russia bolsters its own forces
3 years, 1 month ago

Newly deployed U.S. troops arrive in Europe as Russia bolsters its own forces

NPR  

Newly deployed U.S. troops arrive in Europe as Russia bolsters its own forces Enlarge this image toggle caption Allison Joyce/AFP via Getty Images Allison Joyce/AFP via Getty Images The first of 2,000 U.S. soldiers newly deployed to Europe have arrived in Germany and Poland, military officials said, as part of the U.S. effort to buttress NATO's eastern flank as Russia …

Explaining the U.S. military presence in Europe as 2,000 more troops deploy
3 years, 1 month ago

Explaining the U.S. military presence in Europe as 2,000 more troops deploy

NPR  

Explaining the U.S. military presence in Europe as 2,000 more troops deploy Enlarge this image toggle caption Allison Joyce/AFP via Getty Images Allison Joyce/AFP via Getty Images The United States is moving thousands of troops to Eastern Europe as NATO allies step up pressure on Russia to stop its military buildup circling Ukraine. In addition to the permanent troops, an …

Biden sending more troops to Europe amid Ukraine tension
3 years, 1 month ago

Biden sending more troops to Europe amid Ukraine tension

India Today  

President Joe Biden is sending about 2,000 US-based troops to Poland and Germany and shifting 1,000 soldiers from Germany to Romania as demonstrations of American commitments to allies on NATO’s eastern flank amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Pentagon said Wednesday. “These are not permanent moves,” he said, stressing that the purpose is to reassure allies at …

Biden Sending More Troops To Europe Amid Ukraine Tension
3 years, 1 month ago

Biden Sending More Troops To Europe Amid Ukraine Tension

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING BRUSSELS — President Joe Biden is sending about 2,000 troops from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to Poland and Germany this week and shifting roughly 1,000 Germany-based soldiers to Romania, a senior administration official said Wednesday. The U.S. document, marked as a confidential “non-paper,” said that the United States would be willing to discuss in consultation with its …

Putin gripes about NATO as US deploys more troops to Europe
3 years, 2 months ago

Putin gripes about NATO as US deploys more troops to Europe

Al Jazeera  

Russian president says NATO and the US did not address Moscow’s main security demands, as Ukraine tensions simmer. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the United States and NATO had not addressed Moscow’s main security demands in their standoff over Ukraine, as US President Joe Biden announced an additional troop deployment in Eastern Europe. “Attention was drawn to the fact …

US and allies discussing deploying more troops to Eastern Europe prior to any Russian invasion of Ukraine
3 years, 2 months ago

US and allies discussing deploying more troops to Eastern Europe prior to any Russian invasion of Ukraine

CNN  

CNN — The US and a handful of allies are in discussions to deploy thousands more troops to Eastern European NATO countries before any potential Russian invasion of Ukraine as a show of support in the face of Moscow’s ongoing aggression, three US officials familiar with the discussions tell CNN. Therefore, the US is in discussions to send the additional …

Ukraine tensions: Nato sends 'ships and fighter jets' to Eastern Europe
3 years, 2 months ago

Ukraine tensions: Nato sends 'ships and fighter jets' to Eastern Europe

The Telegraph  

Nato has announced it is sending additional ships and fighter jets to existing bases in Eastern Europe, as well as putting extra troops on standby, as tensions escalate in Ukraine. Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary General of Nato, said the move is designed to enhance deterrence and defence in Eastern Europe, adding that Nato "will always respond to any deterioration of …

US weighs sending more troops to Eastern Europe, Baltics: Reports
3 years, 2 months ago

US weighs sending more troops to Eastern Europe, Baltics: Reports

Al Jazeera  

Fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine have increased in recent weeks, with diplomatic efforts making little progress. United States President Joe Biden is reportedly considering sending thousands more troops to NATO allies in Eastern Europe and Baltic countries as fears that Russia will soon invade Ukraine persist. During a Saturday meeting at the presidential Camp David retreat, senior defence …

Start your day here: The U.S. considers moving troops to Eastern Europe
3 years, 2 months ago

Start your day here: The U.S. considers moving troops to Eastern Europe

NPR  

Anatolii Stepanov / AFP via Getty Images A Ukrainian Military Forces serviceman walks along a snow-covered trench on the front line with the Russia-backed separatists in the eastern Lugansk region of Ukraine on Friday. The U.S. State Department has also issued a security alert warning U.S. citizens in Belarus to avoid public demonstrations and "regularly reevaluate possible departure plans in …

U.S. weighs sending 5,000 troops to Eastern Europe to counter Russia
3 years, 2 months ago

U.S. weighs sending 5,000 troops to Eastern Europe to counter Russia

NPR  

U.S. weighs sending 5,000 troops to Eastern Europe to counter Russia Enlarge this image toggle caption Janek Skarzynski/AFP via Getty Images Janek Skarzynski/AFP via Getty Images The Biden administration is considering sending as many as 5,000 U.S. troops to Eastern Europe, a U.S. official confirmed to NPR, in what would be a step-up in American military involvement in the region …

In Russia's Shadow, U.S. Military Bulks Up European Presence
7 years, 8 months ago

In Russia's Shadow, U.S. Military Bulks Up European Presence

NPR  

In Russia's Shadow, U.S. Military Bulks Up European Presence Enlarge this image toggle caption David Welna/NPR David Welna/NPR In a bucolic valley nestled in Romania's Carpathian mountains, herds of sheep graze the hillsides. "This is the third brigade, fourth infantry division from Fort Carson, Colorado," says U.S. Army Colonel Jeff Shoemaker, who's in charge of all U.S. training, readiness and …

The map that shows how many Nato troops are deployed along Russia’s border
8 years, 1 month ago

The map that shows how many Nato troops are deployed along Russia’s border

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thousands of Nato troops have …

US accelerates troop deployment to Poland and Baltics
8 years, 3 months ago

US accelerates troop deployment to Poland and Baltics

Al Jazeera  

NATO and the US insist military presence is not aimed against anyone, but Russia has threatened measures in response. “I’m confident in the very powerful signal, the message it will send the United States, along with the rest of NATO, is committed to deterrence,” Hodges said. “I’m excited about what my country is doing and I’m excited about continuing to …

NATO agrees to deploy troops in north-eastern Europe despite Russian concerns
8 years, 8 months ago

NATO agrees to deploy troops in north-eastern Europe despite Russian concerns

ABC  

NATO leaders have agreed to deploy military forces to the Baltic states and eastern Poland for the first time and increase air and sea patrols to reassure allies following Russia's seizure of Crimea from Ukraine. Key points: Four battalions — 3,000-4,000 troops — to be moved to north-eastern Europe NATO Secretary-General says move was not aimed at threatening or isolating …

Russia gathers troops at Baltic military bases ahead of Cold War-style stand-off with Nato
8 years, 8 months ago

Russia gathers troops at Baltic military bases ahead of Cold War-style stand-off with Nato

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Carter: US to put military equipment in 6 European countries
9 years, 9 months ago

Carter: US to put military equipment in 6 European countries

China Daily  

Carter: US to put military equipment in 6 European countries Updated: 2015-06-23 19:57 TALLINN, Estonia - Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced Tuesday that the US will spread about 250 tanks, armored vehicles and other military equipment across six European nations to help reassure NATO allies facing an array of threats from Russia and terrorist groups. Carter said the equipment could …

Encircling Russia
20 years, 10 months ago

Encircling Russia

The Hindu  

The latest expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation by taking in seven countries, all except one of them members of the erstwhile Warsaw Pact, is a step closer to the encirclement of Russia by the Western military alliance. The Russian Defence Minster, in a signed article, has said that Russia has valid reasons to be concerned about NATO's ongoing …

Discover Related