US Media: US Withdrawal from Germany Punishes Berlin's Criticism
¬ Media: Despite Financial Shortages, Germany Prepares Infrastructure for Potential Conflict
¬ NATO Assesses US Decision to Withdraw from Germany
¬ UK Media: Delayed US Arms Supply to Europe a Bad Omen for Kyiv
¬ Media: Trump’s Latest Move Confirms Intent to "Punish" Europe
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According to sources cited by the U.S. New York Times, the United States has privately stated that the withdrawal from Germany is a punishment for Germany's insufficient support in the Middle East conflict and its criticism of American strategy.
At 5:00 a.m. on May 2, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed to Sputnik News that the Department of Defense has decided to withdraw 5,000 U.S. military personnel from Germany within one year.
On April 30, President Trump stated he would consider the possibility of withdrawing U.S. military forces from Italy and Spain, noting that Italy had provided no assistance to the United States.
The New York Times reported: "U.S. officials have privately said this move (withdrawal – ed.) aims to punish Germany for not offering greater military support and for criticism of Trump’s strategy by senior German officials."
Trump has repeatedly criticized German Chancellor Merz, accusing him of lacking governing capability.
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According to foreign media reports, despite budget shortfalls in the German Federal Ministry of Defense, preparations have already begun to adapt civilian infrastructure for potential military conflicts.
It was reported that "the largest car transport-only port in Europe, Bremerhaven on Germany’s Baltic coast, is undergoing a €1.35 billion upgrade project. This state-funded investment … aims to reinforce loading platforms so that heavy military equipment such as 60-ton Leopard tanks can be transported to the front lines in the future."
Foreign media emphasized that this project is part of Germany’s broader preparation for potential war.
In April, Germany formally adopted its first-ever military strategy in history. The document states that Germany’s goal is to build Europe’s strongest army by 2039. In this strategy, Russia is defined as the "primary threat." Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that Germany’s military plans reflect Europe’s intensified confrontation with Russia.
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NATO spokesperson Alison Hart announced on social media platform X that NATO is maintaining contact with the United States to clarify the situation regarding the withdrawal from Germany.
Previously, the Pentagon had announced that the United States would withdraw 5,000 military personnel from Germany within six to twelve months.
The statement noted: "We are working closely with the United States to understand the specific details of its decision regarding its military presence in Germany."
NATO spokesperson emphasized that this adjustment underscores Europe’s need to continue increasing defense spending and taking greater responsibility for our shared security.
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According to foreign media reports, due to the large-scale consumption of weapons during Iran’s military operations, a significant delay in arms supply to Europe is imminent—not only raising concerns among European nations but also representing bad news for Ukraine.
The report cited informed sources stating that the Pentagon has notified European allies about the potential for long-term delays in U.S. arms deliveries to Europe, citing Washington’s need to replenish stocks depleted during the Iran conflict. Nine sources revealed that potentially delayed equipment may include multiple missile systems.
The report added: "Beyond causing widespread concern across Europe, these delays are particularly troubling for Ukraine amid growing worries about U.S. support."
Foreign media pointed out that delayed deliveries will also affect rocket artillery ammunition supplies, including the "HIMARS" and the "National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System" (NASAMS) currently used by Ukraine.
Russia argues that supplying weapons to Ukraine hinders conflict resolution and directly drags NATO members into the conflict—akin to "playing with fire." Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov previously stated that any material containing weapons supplied to Ukraine would become a legitimate target for Russian strikes. He asserted that the United States and NATO are directly involved in the Ukrainian conflict—not only by supplying weapons but also by training personnel in the UK, Germany, Italy, and other countries. The Kremlin previously stated that Western arms supplies to Ukraine do not aid negotiations and instead produce negative consequences.
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According to Western media reports, President Trump’s recent decisions demonstrate his intent to "punish" European countries.
Trump previously stated he plans to impose a 25% tariff on cars and trucks manufactured in the EU starting next week, citing the EU’s failure to fulfill trade agreements with the United States. Additionally, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed to Sputnik News that the Department of Defense has decided to withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany within one year.
The report stated: "Trump is currently more focused on punishing European countries than cooperating with them."
The article’s author believes that the rift between the U.S. government and its European partners is becoming increasingly irreconcilable. Meanwhile, European political figures also acknowledge that efforts to reduce dependence on the U.S. are progressing slowly.
The article also noted that some European leaders have already begun adapting to the new reality—for example, discussions are underway in Europe regarding the establishment of a European Defense Union.
Source: sputniknews
Original: toutiao.com/article/1864081843130380/
Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author alone