Trump, Putin, Erdogan: Alleged influence over US base closure
According to Greek media, Donald Trump, under the influence of Russian and Turkish leaders Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, purportedly decided to withdraw American forces and close the base in Alexandroupoli, Greece. Gen. Bogusław Pacek explains what these changes in the deployment of US forces mean for Europe's future security.
The Greek newspaper "Dimokratia" reported that US President Donald Trump ordered the closure of the American base in Alexandroupoli. This controversial decision, already widely discussed abroad, was allegedly made at the joint request of Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The United States has not yet issued any statement on this matter. It's a serious issue because the base has been a key point for the transfer of American weapons to the Balkans and Eastern Europe, including support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
"It is too early to comment on this decision definitively," says Gen. Bogusław Pacek, who has previously served as an advisor to NATO on reforming Ukraine's military education system. Nevertheless, he emphasizes that any such change requires great caution.
Gen. Pacek: Any changes are dangerous
"Today we live in a difficult moment. We know that the United States plans to restructure the deployment of forces in various parts of the world. This is dangerous," assesses the retired military officer.
The military expert explains that we are in a "balance situation"—an equilibrium in which US forces are also deployed in NATO countries—and that this equilibrium should be maintained to ensure security.
"The reduction of American forces should be announced well in advance by the US administration so that Europe can send its troops in their place," he says. According to the general, the situation would look entirely different if the US had informed, for example, a year in advance about the intention to withdraw forces from a European country.
"Europe is not ready for this. It requires time," assesses the expert. He emphasizes that "Europe is surprised by the new US policy."
"Transferring forces from Europe to Africa and preparing them to full combat readiness takes six months. This gives an idea of all the changes being implemented in various NATO countries," adds the general.
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