Search Results: we don't get to do much together

I`m a 30+ European who met a 36 year old American on Tinder in my hometown. I didn't plan anything to happen between us but it did. We`ve been together now for a year now. He is treating me good, our relationship is full of adventure, laughter, romance and good sex. He met my family and some friends and adores all of them. I met some of his friends. He knows I want a family in the future and he was kids oriented too.
He currently lives 3 hour drive away. In couple of months he is moving back to the USA. (he is currently here due to his work (army)). Right now we spend about 3-6 days per month together and occasionally some vacations.

I told him I love him few months ago. He said he knows but never replied back. I didn't bother much.
We haven't talked about what will happen when he will go back. I think we are postponing this discussion as it will be hard I`m willing to try long distance and maybe even move to the states in the future, but he doesn't know that. I`m planning to have this talk few weeks before his departure.

But now sth happened. During some discussion he told me he doesn't want kids. That he is too old. I was in shock and upset as he never mentioned that before. I didn't know what to do. I pulled myself away as this new information frightens me.

Later I asked him what does it mean that he never replies when I tell him I love him. After a silence he said he cannot say that back to me. That he is not "there yet". If he is not there yet, after a year, will he ever be?

All together got me rethinking our relationship. Feeling all sorts of stuff: from questioning if I am not worthy of love to feeling deceived. Am I just his temporarily European GF? Or is he a closed off, emotionally damaged soldier trying to not get attached to people?

I dont know what to do at this point. Either to continue this relationship or break it off. One thing is for certain: I will close down a bit as this is my defense mechanism.

Any advice or opinion is appreciated.