US troops remain in Europe, especially along eastern borders, with additional forces deployed to the UK, including aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons. During Donald Trump's term, US forces were not withdrawn from Europe; instead, their presence was maintained, notably in Poland, where about 10,000 American soldiers are currently stationed—the largest such deployment in the region.
Experts debated whether the presence of US troops guarantees that the US would intervene if a European ally were attacked. The discussion also referenced the start of Trump's administration, noting trade wars with Europe and other actions that suggested reduced loyalty to NATO allies.
The conversation highlighted that the US allocates more dollars to European security than Europeans themselves, but this does not always translate to tangible guarantees. Poland spends heavily to maintain US troops, a significant deterrent against Russia. Nevertheless, recent incidents, such as the report of an F-16 missile hitting a Polish building during a Russian drone attack, have intensified regional tensions.
Special attention was given to Belarus and Alexander Lukashenko's attempts to balance between Russia and the West, publicly distancing himself from direct involvement in attacks on Poland and denying Belarusian responsibility for drone incidents. Experts note that Lukashenko maneuvers for personal advantage and security guarantees for himself and his family.
Overall, Europe’s security depends on US policy, NATO allies' actions, Russia’s moves, and internal balancing by actors like Belarus. The interview concludes by noting that the future of negotiations likely involves leading global players—USA, China, Russia, Ukraine, and European countries.
