Trump Announces Progress Toward Establishing US Army Base in Poland
US-Poland Military Cooperation and Developments
WASHINGTON, Sept 17 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Thursday that progress is being made toward establishing a US Army base in Poland, crediting "the bold leadership" of Polish President Karol Nawrocki.
Announcement and Significance
"If this happens, the location will be announced very soon. This will be a historic step for our Great U.S./Polish Alliance," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Poland's Strategic Importance
Poland has been pushing for a bigger allied presence on NATO's eastern flank after Russia's invasion of neighboring Ukraine in 2022.
Diplomatic and Defense Discussions
Statements from Polish Officials
In June, Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said the US Department of Defense was open to Poland's offer to host a permanent US military presence in Poland, but that no decision had been taken.
Meetings with US Defense Leaders
The minister met with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in June in Brussels, where the Pentagon chief announced a new review of America's troop deployments in Europe.
Current US Military Presence in Poland
Poland has so far hosted US troops on a rotational basis.
(Reporting by Ismail Shakil and Doina Chiacu; editing by Costas Pitas)
