Elbridge Colby, the US undersecretary of defense for policy, said the Pentagon has launched a broad review of the deployment of American troops across Europe. He announced the move in a post on X.

According to Colby, the assessment will examine how effectively US military units are distributed among European countries. Its central aim is to push NATO allies to take primary responsibility for their own defense in the near term, relying on conventional rather than nuclear capabilities.

He said the Defense Department had begun the European force posture review previously announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the latest meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels.

Once the review is complete, the Pentagon is expected to present several options for the future deployment of US forces in Europe. Colby said the proposals will be shaped by American strategic interests.

Washington will also continue consultations with its European allies on issues related to the future positioning of US troops.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO members and demanded that Europe contribute more to its own security. Even before his election, he warned that the United States could leave the alliance unless European countries assumed greater financial responsibility for their defense.