The Situation in Ukraine and Russia Takes a Turn: Trump Furious, U.S. Troops May Leave Germany; U.S. Cuts Intelligence, Over Ten Thousand Ukrainian Soldiers in Danger!
Recently, the situation between Russia and Ukraine has escalated, drawing international attention from multiple fronts.
1. Trump Angered, U.S. Troops May Withdraw from Germany
According to a report from Germany's news television channel on March 7, Trump is considering relocating the 35,000 U.S. troops stationed in Germany to Hungary. Trump has repeatedly warned Europe to increase defense investments and is furious about Europe's push for war. A spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council stated that U.S. troops may be repositioned globally in response to threats to interests, and Trump wants U.S. troops to focus on NATO countries that meet a defense spending target of 5% of GDP. Although Hungary has not met this standard, Trump's fondness for Orban may lead to it becoming a new U.S. military base. Earlier this year, Trump proposed a 20% reduction of U.S. troops in Europe and suggested that Europe should bear the costs of stationing troops.
2. U.S. Cuts Satellite Services, Ukrainian Army's Predicament Intensifies
On the 7th, The Washington Post reported that the U.S. has suspended commercial satellite imagery services to Ukraine, which the Ukrainian army heavily relies on for planning operations. A Ukrainian soldier stated that satellite services in Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, have “disappeared,” although Ukraine can still access images through its own accounts. Previously, the U.S. also cut intelligence support to Ukraine and suspended military aid; some analysts believe that the halt in intelligence sharing has a more negative impact on the Ukrainian military than the suspension of military aid, as European intelligence cannot replace that of the U.S.
3. 10,000 Ukrainian Soldiers Face Encirclement
According to a report by the UK’s Daily Telegraph on the 7th, Russian forces have broken through the front line and are approaching key supply lines from two directions, putting 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers at risk of encirclement. Russian troops entered Suja on the 7th, and Ukraine may withdraw troops from Kursk to avoid losses. Currently, fighting continues in Kursk Oblast, and the Ukrainian army may abandon operations in Kursk within two weeks due to restricted access; the Ukrainian side has not yet responded.
4. EU and Poland Strengthen Defense
At the EU summit on the 6th, a plan to “rearm Europe” was agreed upon, proposing to mobilize 800 billion euros to enhance security and reduce dependence on the U.S. On the 7th, Polish President Duda submitted a draft constitutional amendment stipulating that defense spending should account for no less than 4% of GDP. Polish Prime Minister Tusk stated that all adult males will be required to undergo military training and also suggested withdrawing from relevant treaties. In 2024, Poland's defense spending is projected to be 4.1%, with an expected increase to 4.7% this year, the highest among NATO countries.
