What is known
According to Reuters and The Washington Post, the U.S. administration plans to cut roughly 200 posts in NATO structures responsible for planning military and intelligence operations. The Washington Post adds that this could affect nearly 30 Alliance organizations, including centers of excellence and advisory bodies.
Sources cited by Reuters say that about 400 U.S. service members currently work in these bodies — their numbers could be reduced by almost half. Mass early withdrawals are not planned: largely, personnel will not be replaced after rotations end.
Why this is happening
Officials speaking to Reuters link the decision to the administration’s course of reorienting resources to the Western Hemisphere. The Washington Post provides context of political strain following certain statements by the U.S. president, which heightened Europeans’ concerns about Washington’s long-term commitments.
Positions and reactions
NATO confirms it is maintaining contact with the United States to preserve deterrence and defense capabilities. At the same time, debate is growing in Europe about strengthening its own defense capabilities and about models of "coalition" response without full U.S. participation.
"The Alliance is in close contact with the United States regarding the overall distribution of forces in order to preserve NATO's deterrence and defense capabilities."
— NATO representative
Media also note that opinions in the Pentagon and Congress are divided: some view these steps as routine resource optimization, while others see them as a signal of uncertainty about transatlantic commitments.
Consequences for NATO and Ukraine
First, this does not mean the end of the American presence in Europe: there are currently about 80 000 U.S. service members there. However, the decision affects the ability to coordinate at the level of headquarters and specialized centers — where tactical and operational decisions are made, which is crucial during crises.
Second, reducing U.S. representation in advisory and training centers opens space for Europe — or for new cooperation formats. Politico wrote about the possibility of creating a European coalition with Ukraine's participation — not an automatic scenario, but one that has become more realistic amid discussion of a "coalition of the willing."
"Ukraine is not opposed to joining a new European military-political alliance if one is created."
— Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
What this means in practice
For Ukraine, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. A challenge because a weaker U.S. presence in NATO staffs could complicate coordination of aid and intelligence sharing. An opportunity because the EU and individual countries could increase their role in training, standardization and logistics, and consider new formats for integrating Ukraine into the European security system.
Analysts point out that the key is not rhetoric but concrete mechanisms. If words are converted into additional resources, training programs and long-term agreements, Europe could become a stronger partner for Ukraine.
Brief outlook
The U.S. decision is a signal to reassess models of transatlantic partnership, but not to break them. Ukraine should work in two directions: maintain close coordination with the United States while accelerating practical integration with European defense structures. The ball is now in the partners' court: declarations must turn into concrete decisions that strengthen Europe's defense capability and Ukraine's security.
