Washington has told Romania, which neighbours war-torn Ukraine, and allies it will reduce the number of US troops deployed on NATO's eastern flank, Romania's defence ministry said Wednesday, a move some officials downplayed while analysts warned it could embolden Russia.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO, and insisted that European allies boost military spending as Ukraine battles Russia's invasion.

Some 85,000 American troops are stationed in Europe, including 20,000 troops deployed to reinforce NATO's eastern flank after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, according to the US Defence Department.

The latest announcement came after reports this year that Washington could withdraw 10,000 troops from eastern Europe as the US focus shifts more towards the Indo-Pacific re

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