Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Romania all expressed their desire to receive more US troops, through both public statements and backstage campaigns.
This move comes after President Donald Trump announced a plan to reduce troop presence in Germany in early May.
I firmly believe that it is necessary to strengthen the US presence on the eastern flank of NATO. We welcome the permanent presence of the US on Romanian territory," said Romanian Deputy Defense Minister Sorin Moldovan.
Mr. Moldovan emphasized that Romania has always shown commitment to the Strategic Partnership with the US and has proven that this country is a reliable partner.
We need more troops" - Romanian Defense Minister Radu Miruta shared with the press at a meeting of Defense Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council on May 12.
Romania is not the only country to publicly make an offer. Last week, Polish President Karol Nawrocki and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda both declared their willingness to receive more US troops on their territory. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze also expressed a similar view on May 11.
The Estonian Ministry of Defense spokesman shared that the country "highly appreciates the US contribution and supports the expansion of the US military presence to ensure solid deterrence and defense capabilities throughout the Baltic region".
Allies on the eastern flank of NATO, including many countries sharing borders with Russia, have long seen the US - along with US military forces present on its territory - as a key security assurance and deterrent factor in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
According to an unnamed US official, the Pentagon has not yet made a final decision on which units will be affected in the withdrawal from Germany. It is also unclear whether these soldiers will be transferred to another European country or returned to the US.
However, NATO countries bordering Russia quickly grasped this possibility. According to official government figures, all 5 countries are maintaining a modest number of US troops stationed as of March.
In addition to the leaders' public statements, behind-the-scenes lobbying activities are also taking place. According to a senior NATO diplomat, at least one delegation of allied countries has approached US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker to directly present their wishes.
