UN to cut 25% global peacekeeping force in response to U.S. funding strains
INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
10 OCTOBER 2025
- The United Nations will begin slashing its peacekeeping force and operations, forcing thousands of soldiers in the next several months to evacuate far-flung global hotspots as a result of the latest U.S. funding cuts to the world body, a senior UN official said.
- A 25% reduction in peacekeepers worldwide is expected as the United States, the largest UN donor, makes changes to align with President Donald Trump’s “America First” vision.
- Roughly 13,000 to 14,000 military and police personnel out of more than 50,000 peacekeepers deployed across nine global missions will be sent back to their home countries.
- The decision to institute a major overhaul of the peacekeeping force — known globally for their distinctive blue berets or helmets — followed a meeting between UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and representatives from major donor countries, including Mike Waltz, the new U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
