An American Boeing C-17 Globemaster III filled with U.S. soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division arrived in Poland on Sunday in an effort to support Poland during rising tensions with Russia.
Minister of Defense Mariusz Błaszczak emphasized that the soldiers’ arrival from the American airbase in Dover, Delaware, proved how serious the obligations of allies are being treated.
He noted that this was the first group of troops from the elite American division with soldiers who are well-known to their Polish colleagues. They had previously taken part in drills together and participated in missions throughout several countries.
Błaszczak stated that a total of 1,700 soldiers were dispatched to Poland over the previous several hours. The American forced will be operating in southeastern Poland.
After arriving in Rzeszów, the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, Christopher Donahue, emphasized that the aid given to Poland was proof of America’s solidarity with its allies during the current period of uncertainty.
“Together we are prepared. The decision to send troops to Poland is a rational move which served to fulfill the common goal that is preventing war and the protection of our allies. It is an honor for us to work hand in hand with Poles,” he declared.
Last Wednesday, the Pentagon announced a temporary increase of U.S. troops in Europe to strengthen NATO’s Eastern flank as a result of the high concentration of Russian soldiers on Ukraine’s border.
Two thousand troops will be sent to Poland and Germany, 1,700 of which will reach Poland. Around 1,000 will be redeployed from Germany to Romania.
