Trump plans US troop withdrawal from Baltics, raising European security concerns

Recent reports indicate that Donald Trump's discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may lead to a significant withdrawal of US troops from Europe, particularly in the Baltics and potentially Kosovo. This shift, characterized by a proposal linking US military aid for Ukraine to access to its rare earth minerals, has raised concerns among European officials about the continent's security and its vulnerability to Russian aggression. Trump's administration is contemplating a peace deal that could involve a troop pullout in exchange for control over Ukraine's resources, which many fear could embolden Russia's military ambitions in the region. European diplomats are apprehensive that such moves may undermine NATO's deterrent capabilities, especially for smaller Baltic nations like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, which could be left exposed to Putin's expansionist goals. The ongoing discussions have caused unease in Europe, as many perceive that the US is shifting its focus away from European security towards other global threats. Overall, this potential realignment raises serious questions about the future of US military commitments in Europe and the implications for regional stability.