US to maintain stable military presence in Poland - defence ministry
Poland has not received any notification regarding a possible reduction of the US military presence on its territory, a spokesperson for the country's defence ministry has told PAP, amid reports of a planned cut to the number of US troops stationed in Romania.
The Romanian defence ministry stated on Wednesday that the US had notified Bucharest and other NATO allies of its intention to reduce troop numbers along NATO's eastern flank, including American soldiers from the Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base on the Romanian coast of the Black Sea. According to the ministry, around 1,000 US soldiers will remain stationed in the country following the reduction.
Also on Wednesday, the US Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) leadership announced that the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division would be redeployed from Europe to its home base in Kentucky without replacement. The command said the move is part of the Secretary of War's plan to ensure a balanced deployment of the US armed forces.
The command stated that the redeployment does not signal a US withdrawal from Europe or a reduced commitment to NATO and Article 5, but rather reflects enhanced European capabilities and responsibility.
Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said during a press conference held in the eastern Polish city of Krasnik on Wednesday that Warsaw had not received any notification regarding a potential reduction of the roughly 10,000 US troops stationed in the country.
“Poland and the United States are ironclad allies,” he said.
Earlier in the day, defence ministry spokesperson Janusz Sejmej told PAP that Poland had not received any information suggesting a decrease in the American military presence on its soil. He also said that both President Karol Nawrocki and the Polish defence minister had recently received assurances from the US administration that the presence of American troops in Poland would remain stable.
Also on Wednesday, the US ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, wrote on X: "The United States remains committed to Romania – as a trusted NATO Ally, a vital strategic partner, and a driving force for security in Europe."
"Our strong presence in and enduring commitment to Europe remains steadfast, including support for Eastern Sentry," he added.
NATO's Eastern Sentry mission was launched on September 13 to reinforce the alliance's eastern flank following Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace on the night of September 9-10. (PAP)
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