Ukraine War May Lead to Massive US Military Buildup in Europe

The fighting in Ukraine may lead to a rethinking of the US’s military posture in Europe that could lead to a buildup of US forces in the region not seen since the end of the Cold War.

According to Stars and Stripes, the US currently has 100,000 troops operating in Europe, the highest number since 2005. Troop numbers spiked recently as President Biden ordered more deployments amid heightened tensions and since Russia invaded Ukraine. In January, there were 80,000 US troops on the continent.

Germany still hosts the most US troops in Europe, but US military leaders are looking to send more forces further east. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is due to meet with other NATO military leaders in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss reinforcing the military alliance’s so-called “eastern flank.”

Ahead of the meeting, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said allies should be prepared for a “major increase” in military spending. “On land, this could include substantially more forces on the eastern part of the alliance,” he said.