US President Donald Trump is deliberating pulling troops out of Germany and relocating them to eastern Europe in another potential snag to Washington's relationship with Europe.
The speculation comes after the President said that he was finding it more difficult to deal with Ukraine and that it may be easier to deal with Russia as his administration seeks to reach a peace agreement.
Approximately 160,000 active-duty personnel are stationed outside of the United States, a large amount are in Germany.
A source close to the White House told The Telegraph: "Trump is angry that they [Europe] appear to be pushing for war."
Trump signing an executive order in the Oval Office
Reuters
It comes after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán vetoed a commitment to bolster support for Ukraine which was signed by all other member states. Orbán has maintained a relatively closer relationship with Russia, often opposing EU sanctions on Moscow.
Meanwhile, Trump has also paused military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine to pressure Kyiv to accept a ceasefire deal after an explosive Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky a week ago.
Trump wrote on social media: "Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.
"To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!"
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President Donald Trump speaks to the media during a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban
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Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, the 47th President said: "When I came to Nato, when I first had my first meeting, I noticed that people weren’t paying their bills at all, and I said I should wait till my second meeting.
"And I did. And I brought that up, and I said, 'if you don’t pay your bills, we’re not going to participate. We’re not going to protect you.'
Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington last month, Vice President JD Vance also said: “Germany’s entire defence is subsidised by the American taxpayer. There are thousands upon thousands of American troops in Germany today.
"Do you think that the American taxpayer is going to stand for that if you get thrown in jail in Germany for posting a mean tweet? Of course, they’re not."
Vice President JD Vance shakes hands with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson
Reuters
In Ukraine, Russian forces attacked the town of Dobropillia in eastern Ukraine late on Friday, killing five people and injuring 15, the regional governor said.
Governor Vadym Filashkin, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said Russian forces launched three night-time strikes on the town north of Pokrovsk, one of the focal points of their advance through eastern Ukraine.
Filatov said according to initial information, four high-rise apartment buildings were damaged.
