Polish President Andrzej Duda has firmly dismissed concerns that the relocation of U.S. troops from the Jasionka base near Rzeszów signals a reduction in the American military presence in Poland.
Speaking to journalists during a press conference in Tallinn, Estonia, on Wednesday, Duda stressed, “Both President Trump, Secretary Hegseth, and General Kellogg in the talks I had with them clearly and explicitly said that there are no plans to reduce the presence of American armed forces in Poland.”
The Jasionka Airport, a critical hub for U.S. military assistance to Ukraine, has recently been at the center of speculation after the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command (USAREUR-AF) announced plans to redeploy personnel and equipment from the site to other locations within Poland. Some media outlets interpreted this move as a potential sign of weakening U.S. support for the region, sparking anxiety over Washington’s long-term commitment.
Polish officials have been quick to counter the notion. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz clarified that “American troops, which were dedicated to helping Ukraine and transporting aid to Ukraine, are staying in Poland.” He explained that these forces will be deployed to other bases across the country, and emphasized, “The decision was, of course, agreed upon and communicated with us. We have indicated bases where we can receive American soldiers.”
Duda reinforced this message, noting, “We have a whole range of places where Americans are present in Poland in various forms, and different types of American troops. And the relocation of these soldiers will take place where it is appropriate.”
He added that the move is based on U.S. military training considerations, saying, “It is a question that those soldiers who performed certain types of tasks, in short: work in Jasionka, should also improve their skills, have such opportunities to exercise, and this is also what this is for.”
When asked about the security of the Jasionka base following the troop relocation, Duda replied, “Please be calm. This base has been protected, it is protected, and I am convinced that as long as it is needed and will carry out its tasks, it will be protected.”
Addressing reports from NBC suggesting a possible withdrawal of up to 10,000 U.S. troops from Eastern Europe, the president expressed clear skepticism. “You will forgive me, but I have been listening to this media ‘blah blah blah’ for a very long time, and to be honest, I am tired of it,” he remarked.
“Please stay calm, wait for specific decisions, and do not listen to rumors, whispers, or media disinformation. Because various actors are active in this, including those who simply want to sow disinformation and anxiety,” he added.
