Kyiv Post. US to Trim Forces in Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovakia

Just as outrage builds over the planned withdrawal of a rotational US brigade from Romania, multiple sources tell Kyiv Post the adjustment is only the opening act.

Behind closed doors, administration officials have signaled to allies that the Romanian cuts are merely phase one, with further reductions in Bulgaria, Hungary and Slovakia expected to follow as soon as mid-December.

Two Western officials with knowledge of US discussions with European partners said the Pentagon is weighing a modest drawdown of forces in part because European land armies are now seen as better prepared than in previous years, making a limited recalibration of the US presence “appropriate.”