Vilnius: A senior NATO military official said Friday that reported changes to US troop deployments in Europe pose 'no risk' to the alliance's eastern flank. Speaking to Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT Radio, NATO International Military Staff Director General Remigijus Baltrenas emphasized that deterrence and defense along NATO's eastern border remain intact despite adjustments to the US military presence in Europe. 'There is currently no risk to deterrence and defense on the eastern flank,' Baltrenas stated.

According to Anadolu Agency, Baltrenas' remarks came after reports that the US halted the deployment of more than 4,000 troops to Poland as part of a planned rotation, while earlier Pentagon plans reportedly included withdrawing around 5,000 troops from Germany. Baltrenas acknowledged that the troop movements present challenges but noted that NATO allies in Europe are responding by increasing defense spending and accelerating military procurement efforts. 'There is a balance to this withdrawal,' he said. 'I will not hide the fact that there are challenges, and they must be addressed; we are addressing them.'

Turning to the war in Ukraine, the NATO official highlighted Kyiv's ability to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, which is shifting the dynamics of the conflict in Ukraine's favor. 'At the strategic level, we are seeing a stalemate where neither side appears to hold the initiative,' Baltrenas explained. 'However, the Ukrainians have made significant progress with long-range strikes on Russian territory, which gives Ukraine leverage to try to turn the tide of the war,' he added.

Baltrenas also pointed to mounting internal pressure within Russia, citing economic difficulties, war fatigue, and divisions among the political elite. 'Russia has serious internal problems and challenges, not only within the political elite, who are beginning to disagree and see that this long war has brought them massive losses, but also among Russian citizens themselves,' he said.

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of continued Western military support for Ukraine, stating that such support would be critical to enabling Ukraine to negotiate 'on favorable terms.' 'For our part, we must continue to support Ukraine with the capabilities it requests,' Baltrenas asserted. 'That is what will allow Ukraine to sit at the negotiating table on favorable terms and negotiate some form of agreement.'