Warsaw confirms US troops' relocation from Polish-Ukrainian border, but rules out full withdrawal

The relocation of U.S. military personnel from the logistics hub at Rzeszów airport, located on the Polish-Ukrainian border, to other bases in Poland has been confirmed by Polish President Andrzej Duda.

The move, which was agreed upon at the NATO level, does not indicate the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

In a statement to journalists, President Duda clarified that the decision is part of the transfer of responsibility for the security of the Rzeszów airport, a matter that had been thoroughly discussed among NATO allies.

"I am aware of this issue; it concerns the transfer of responsibility for the security of the Rzeszów airport. This was discussed at the alliance level," Duda stated during a press conference in Tallinn, Estonia, following his meeting with Estonian President Alar Karis. The conference was streamed live on the Polish president’s social media channels.

The relocation of U.S. military personnel and equipment, which had previously been stationed at the Rzeszów logistics hub, comes as part of ongoing operational adjustments. The U.S. European and African Command had announced the move on April 7, but Duda emphasized that it should not be interpreted as a reduction of U.S. military presence in Poland.

"This is not a withdrawal of troops," Duda reiterated, stressing that the change was purely logistical.

The U.S. military presence along the Polish-Ukrainian border is a significant component of NATO's strategy to deter potential threats in the region and support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United States, alongside other NATO members, bolstered its military presence in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, which shares a border with Ukraine. The U.S. has stationed troops in Poland as part of its commitment to NATO's collective defense principle, ensuring a visible deterrent to Russian aggression.

The U.S. military presence in Poland includes the deployment of armored brigades, air defense systems, and logistical support units. This presence is not only aimed at enhancing NATO's defensive capabilities but also provides crucial support to Ukraine through the training of Ukrainian forces, intelligence sharing, and providing military aid. Poland, as a NATO member and a key ally of the U.S., has become a crucial logistics and support hub for Western assistance to Ukraine. Additionally, the U.S. has worked with Poland to ensure the security of the region by conducting joint exercises and enhancing border security measures.

The Polish-Ukrainian border’s proximity to the conflict zone in Ukraine makes it a strategic point for both military operations and humanitarian assistance. The U.S. presence, while focused on defense and deterrence, also plays a critical role in facilitating the safe delivery of military aid to Ukraine and ensuring that NATO's eastern flank remains secure. This military buildup is part of broader efforts by the U.S. to reinforce the security of its European allies and prevent the expansion of Russian influence in the region.

By Khagan Isayev