The US is preparing new decisions regarding its military presence in Europe, while at the same time assuring its readiness to continue to help Ukraine. NATO states that allies’ defense spending will increase and European countries will take greater responsibility for their own security. At the same time, Ukraine remains a testing ground for the latest military technologies, and the US Senate is pushing for new sanctions against Russia.
The US may accelerate the reduction of its military presence in Europe
The US plans to accelerate the withdrawal of its troops from bases in Europe and submit relevant proposals to NATO allies next month. This was reported by the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, citing a source in the Pentagon. Earlier, Washington had already announced its intention to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany. Many attribute this decision to disagreements between the Donald Trump administration and European countries over events in the Middle East.
There are currently about 35,000 American troops in Germany, the largest US contingent in Europe. Details of the upcoming reduction have not yet been disclosed, but the publication says the plans are to be presented at a NATO conference on force generation. There has been no official comment from the Pentagon yet. Amidst discussions on the distribution of defense spending in NATO, the issue of the American military presence in Europe remains a key one for the allies.
American startup tests humanoid combat robots in Ukraine
American startup Foundation Future Industries is testing autonomous humanoid robots in Ukraine and plans to send a new improved Phantom 2 model. According to CNBC, at the beginning of the year the company already sent two Phantom MK-1 robots to Ukraine for testing in combat conditions. The tests are being conducted with the support of the US government and Ukrainian officials and focus on performing logistical tasks in dangerous areas. The company calls this the first case of using humanoid robots in a theater of operations.
“I believe the technology is reaching a point where it can replace humans in dangerous jobs, and if it does, that would be the greatest benefit that can be derived from all applications of robotics,” said Foundation CEO Sankaet Pathak.
According to him, the current model has already proven its effectiveness in delivering and moving cargo on the front lines. The new version of the Phantom 2 will have twice the carrying capacity and, according to the developers, will receive “superhuman abilities.” The startup also plans to scale up production to thousands of units and conduct tests with the US military over the next 12-18 months.
Hegseth promised to find a way to help Ukraine defend itself
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said, that Washington will continue to support Ukraine and look for opportunities to strengthen its defense capabilities. Speaking on the sidelines of the Asian Security Summit in Singapore, he stressed that the United States is helping Ukraine where possible and is also encouraging Europe to take on more responsibility. According to Hegset, the American defense industry is currently undergoing a large-scale modernization of ammunition production. Washington is paying special attention to the development of unmanned systems.
“Where we can help Ukraine, we do it. Where we can enable Europe to do more, we do it,” Hegset said.
He emphasized that the United States wants Ukrainians to be able to effectively defend their country. “And we will find a way to help them,” the head of the Pentagon assured. The minister also reported that President Donald Trump’s budget for 2027 includes $56 billion to ensure superiority in the field of drones. According to him, the US army is actively studying Ukrainian experience in using drones and plans to use these developments in its own programs.
NATO announces increase in defense spending in Europe
The chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, said that European countries are responding to US demands to increase defense spending. In an interview with Bloomberg , he noted that the allies are gradually moving towards achieving the target of 5% of GDP for defense and security needs. According to him, relations between European countries and the Pentagon remain stable. At the same time, he called for not exaggerating the significance of individual incidents related to Russian drones near NATO borders.
“We have a NATO defense planning process that allows us to determine our needs, and we will gradually provide them in the necessary time… to reach an overall defense spending level of 5% of GDP. Therefore, I believe that we are in a fairly good position,” Cavo Dragone said.
He also stressed that from a military point of view, there are “no dramatic situations” in relations with the United States. His comments came after Pete Hegseth’s critical statements about European allies. The Trump administration continues to insist that European countries take greater responsibility for their own security.
US senators in Odessa called for tougher sanctions against Russia
During the airstrike in Odessa, US senators Richard Blumenthal and Mark Kelly, as well as Congressman Jim Himes, held a briefing in a shelter within the framework of the Black Sea Security Forum. Senator Blumenthal said, that the US Senate is close to adopting a new package of sanctions against Russia and advocates for further increasing military aid to Ukraine. He stressed that during his numerous trips to Ukraine he had seen the resilience of Ukrainian society in the face of war. The politician also emphasized that Russia continues to suffer significant losses both on the front and in the economy.
“I return with even greater determination to ensure that the United States Senate passes a strong Russia sanctions bill as soon as possible. Senator Graham and I are leading this effort, and I think we are very close to a final outcome,” Blumenthal said.
He also said, “We need more interceptor missiles. We need more artillery, more F-16s. If Ukraine is given the means, it will see the matter through.”
Senator Mark Kelly, in turn, noted that the Trump administration’s attention is now largely focused on developments around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. According to him, the White House’s decision is also significantly influenced by the domestic economic situation and rising prices in the United States.
Photo: David B. Gleason from Chicago, IL
Author: Danylo Pievchev