Recent talks between the US and Russia have raised concerns about withdrawing American troops from the Baltics, raising serious concerns among European officials. According to the Financial Times, US President Donald Trump may agree to such a move, potentially leaving Europe's eastern borders more vulnerable to possible Russian aggression.

European officials are concerned that the withdrawal of American troops from the Baltics, and possibly other Western European countries, could significantly weaken the region's defenses. The move is seen as a potential concession to Russia in talks to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. In particular, there is concern that such a move could encourage Moscow to take further aggressive steps in the region.

US Vice President J.D. Vance stressed the need for increased defence spending by European countries and fairer burden sharing within NATO at the Munich Security Conference. But European leaders are concerned that a possible withdrawal of American troops could leave them without sufficient US support, requiring significant changes to Europe's defence strategy.

There is also talk of refocusing U.S. military attention on the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in the context of containing China. This could mean a reduction in the U.S. military presence in Europe, raising further concerns among European allies. Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, said any reduction in U.S. military presence in Europe would be small, but urged European allies to prepare for possible changes in the region’s security architecture.

A possible withdrawal of American troops from the Baltics could also affect the domestic politics of European countries, forcing them to reconsider their defense budgets and strategies. Some experts believe that Europe urgently needs to prepare for the day when American security guarantees are finally withdrawn, which requires the creation of an independent defense industry and the formation of a European mutual defense agreement outside NATO.

However, there have already been calls in Europe to strip the US of a number of military bases, which would be a serious problem for Washington and would weaken its influence in the region.