General Ben Hodges criticizes the withdrawal of American troops from Romania, considering that it weakens NATO's message and sends a wrong signal to Russia.

The former commander of the U.S. Army in Europe, General Ben Hodges, criticized the Trump administration's decision to withdraw some American troops from Romania, warning that this moment sends the wrong message to Russia and weakens NATO unity. The announcement of the withdrawal of a brigade from Mihail Kogălniceanu base sparked negative reactions in Romania and the U.S. Hodges believes that, in the context of the war in Ukraine, reducing the American presence is inappropriate and that Russia is closely observing the U.S. commitment to NATO. The general emphasizes that Romania and European allies have improved military capabilities, but warns that the lack of a firm response from the European Union could amplify Russia's perception of Western weakness. Additionally, Hodges urges Romania to strengthen its defense, to improve its air defense capabilities, and to involve society in a security culture. He stresses that Russia is testing NATO's defense through deliberate operations and that the West must respond firmly to Russian provocations to prevent the escalation of the conflict.