Concerns over reduction of US troops in Kosovo, Hodges: Any reduction in presence in Europe at this time is a mistake
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07/05/2026 15:50
Former US Army Europe Commander Ben Hodges spoke in an exclusive interview with Gazeta Express regarding the recent movements of US troops across Europe under the policy of the Donald Trump Administration and the request of several US congressmen to Secretary Marco Rubio that the US not withdraw troops from Kosovo, writes Gazeta Express.
Hodges told Gazeta Express that any reduction in US troops in Europe at this time, as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, is a wrong move.
The now retired American soldier has emphasized that a reduction in troops in Kosovo, while the problem with Serbia has not yet been resolved, would be a premature move.
The former American commander says that while he believes that European countries should take more responsibility for their own security, any reduction in American troops at this time would damage the perception of US credibility and what the US considers to be strategically important.
Gazeta Express: Looking at the way the Trump Administration has acted so far, do you think there could also be a reduction in the US military presence in Kosovo – there was recently a decision to reduce US troops in Germany?
Ben Hodges: I expect all US forces in Europe to be on the table for review. I have not seen the results of the “force positioning review” prepared by the Department of Defense, so I cannot be certain. Given that US troops in Kosovo are almost all rotational forces, I do not know whether they would be included in any kind of reduction. But it is possible that at some point the rotations will stop.
Do you think this would be a wrong move in terms of regional security and do you see the concerns of congressmen as valid?
Ben Hodges: I think any reduction of US troops in Europe at this time is a mistake. Russia is waging a war on European soil against Ukraine and conducting “gray zone” operations in much of Central and Eastern Europe. Reducing the US presence sends the wrong signal to the Kremlin about US resolve and to our friends and allies about our credibility.
If this happens, what would it mean for US relations with Kosovo and generally with NATO member states?
Ben Hodges: While I believe that European countries should take more responsibility for their own security, any reduction in the presence of American troops at this time will damage the perception of US credibility and what the US considers strategically important.
Given that you know the region very well, should US forces remain unchanged in Kosovo until a final agreement is reached between Kosovo and Serbia?
Ben Hodges: I have not seen the latest analysis, but I would think that any reduction would be premature while negotiations or discussions between Kosovo and Serbia are still ongoing. /GazetaExpress/
