The Army Times reported on 14/5, citing US officials, that the deployment plan for 4,000 troops and equipment from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) to Poland has been canceled. While some elements of the unit were already in Poland and equipment was en route, no further details were provided regarding the cancellation.
Today, Reuters quoted two US officials who stated this cancellation is part of a short-term solution enabling the army to withdraw 5,000 troops stationed in Germany.
Neither the Pentagon nor the US Army has responded to requests for comment.
US tanks and armored vehicles during an exercise at the Bemowo Piskie training ground in Poland, 7/2025. Video: US Army
Over 10,000 US troops are currently deployed in Poland on a rotational basis. The 2nd ABCT was initially slated for a nine-month deployment in the country.
Every Casualty Counts, a UK-based organization monitoring conflict casualties, noted that withdrawing troops from Germany would reduce the size of US forces in Europe to levels seen before 2022, when the Russia-Ukraine conflict began.
These decisions come as the US increases pressure on European nations to boost their defense budgets. US officials have previously criticized European allies for relying too heavily on US stationed forces and neglecting their own militaries. Reuters also reported that US officials have discussed various responses to NATO allies perceived as unsupportive of Washington's actions in the conflict with Tehran.
Last year, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers supported adding a provision to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that prohibits reducing the number of US troops in Europe below 76,000. President Donald Trump signed this act into law in 12/2025.
However, the NDAA still permits the US President to reduce troop numbers below 76,000 if he can demonstrate consultation with NATO allies and provide an independent assessment of the impact on European security. As of the end of 2025, the US had approximately 85,000 troops deployed in Europe.
Nguyen Tien (According to Reuters, Army Times, AP)
