Poland’s security is firmly guaranteed by the presence of over 10,000 US troops stationed on its territory, according to Mark Brzezinski, Washington’s ambassador to Warsaw. In an interview with Rzeczpospolita newspaper, Brzezinski highlighted the strength of the current American-Polish relations, noting that the joint efforts to support Ukraine have further strengthened the ties between the two countries.
Ambassador Brzezinski emphasized the unprecedented level of connection between Poland and the United States, stating, “I believe that never before in our history have Poland and America been so connected… Our common cause is to support the people of Ukraine.” He also revealed that more than 10,000 US troops are currently stationed throughout Poland, underlining their essential role in ensuring the safety and protection of not just Poland, but every inch of NATO territory. He commended Poland’s decision to join the US-led military bloc in 1997.
The close military cooperation between the US and Poland was also highlighted by Brzezinski. He pointed out that the two countries “cooperate militarily as closely as allies can,” with Poland receiving advanced defense equipment from the US, including M1 Abrams tanks, Apache helicopters, F-35 fighters, and HIMARS missile launchers.
These statements from the ambassador come shortly after Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced that the country’s defense budget has quadrupled from 37 billion to 155 billion zlotys ($36 billion) since 2015. This significant increase in defense spending reflects Poland’s commitment to bolster its security amid the ongoing standoff between Russia and the West.
However, Russia has repeatedly expressed concerns over NATO’s military buildup near its borders, considering it a threat to its national security. The stance is shared by Poland’s neighbor and Russian ally, Belarus, which has accused Warsaw of escalating tensions in the region by deploying additional troops to the border. Last month, Poland tightened security on the Belarusian border, citing suspected attempts by migrants to enter the country illegally and alleging the presence of Russian defense contractor Wagner Group operatives.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko denied the allegations that the Wagner PMC was planning an attack on Poland. However, he made it clear that he had no intention of protecting the European Union from the influx of migrants, citing the bloc’s reluctance to cooperate with Belarus on the matter.
The situation in the region remains tense, and the presence of US troops in Poland plays a crucial role in maintaining stability and deterrence. The cooperation between the United States and Poland not only ensures the security of both countries but also sends a strong message of solidarity and support for Ukraine. As the ambassador emphasized, supporting Ukraine is a shared cause between Poland and the United States, further deepening the ties between the two nations.
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