The Poles, in response to U.S. troop announcements, hastened to tighten their military relationship with the Trump Administration. “The United States military that is stationed in Poland, stationed in Europe, gives security guarantees,” Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said at a ceremony in eastern Poland related to the launch of a new engine servicing hub for the Polish fleet of Abrams tanks. “On the other hand, we have not only a [U.S.] military presence, but also great, strategic purchases in the United States. ...”
“More than fifty billion dollars is the sum of the purchases that we are implementing in the United States,” the minister said. “This is all a great investment in the Polish-American alliance.”
Polish officials say that, if the U.S. military presence is to be decreased in Europe, they expect the cuts not to concern the troops who are already deployed to Poland. “We understand that there is a reorganization of the American military presence in Europe. But this reorganization cannot be made at the cost of the biggest ally of the United States in Europe,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said. “We invest around 15,000 dollars every year for the deployment of each [U.S. soldier], which distinguishes us from other European countries.”
The US statement cited above also reported that Hegseth spoke by phone with Kosiniak-Kamysz and that “the Department will remain in close contact with our Polish counterparts as this analysis proceeds, including to ensure that the United States retains a strong military presence in Poland. Poland has shown both the ability and resolve to defend itself. Other NATO allies should follow suit.”
