Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed reports suggesting that his administration plans to end the U.S. military’s access to Alexandroupolis, Greece, as part of a broader shift in policy toward Ukraine and Russia. The reports, originating from Greek media outlets, claimed that Washington was considering halting military operations in the region due to ongoing peace negotiations with Moscow.
The port of Alexandroupolis, located near the Greek-Turkish border, has become an important logistics hub for U.S. and NATO forces operating in Eastern Europe. The site allows the U.S. to bypass Turkey’s control over the Bosporus Strait—governed by the 1936 Montreux Convention—and facilitate military supplies to Ukraine.
Conflicting Reports on U.S. Military Presence
The Greek news reports, citing unnamed sources, suggested that Washington viewed continued military support for Ukraine as unnecessary, given ongoing high-level discussions between the U.S. and Russia. These negotiations, notably excluding both Ukraine and European nations, are reportedly advancing toward an agreement that would prevent Ukraine from joining NATO while recognizing Russia’s territorial control in eastern Ukraine.
However, a U.S. defense official clarified that the U.S. does not maintain a formal military base in Alexandroupolis. “This is a Greek facility where U.S. forces operate under the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement,” the official told Anadolu Agency. The same source emphasized that there were no current plans to alter the U.S. military footprint in the region.
Geopolitical Implications for Turkey and NATO
If the U.S. were to reduce its presence in Alexandroupolis, it could have significant geopolitical consequences. Turkey has long opposed American military activity there, viewing it as a counterbalance to its control over key maritime routes. A withdrawal could restore Ankara’s dominance over military and commercial traffic between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, a shift that would align with Russian interests.
European leaders have also expressed concerns about potential unilateral U.S. decisions regarding Ukraine. According to Reuters, EU officials have warned against any “backdoor deals” between Washington and Moscow that might undermine Kyiv’s sovereignty. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated that any agreement regarding Ukraine’s future should include direct Ukrainian involvement.
Trump Administration Denies Claims
When questioned about the alleged withdrawal plan, President Trump turned to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who dismissed the reports as inaccurate. Trump echoed the statement, asserting that the U.S. was not considering closing its operations in Alexandroupolis.
As diplomatic discussions between the U.S. and Russia continue, uncertainty remains over the future of American military strategy in Eastern Europe. While Trump’s administration has denied any immediate policy changes, the broader implications of U.S.-Russia talks could reshape regional security dynamics in the months ahead.
