Pentagon spokesman John Kirby has announced the transfer of 3,000 U.S. soldiers to Poland, Germany and Romania to support America’s allies in the face of a growing build-up of Russian troops on the Ukrainian border.
Kirby refused to rule out further deployment of U.S. troops in Europe if it proved necessary to take further action.
Responding to the announcement via social media, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki described the move as emblematic of the United States’ commitment to European security and called it a symbol of solidarity.
“In accordance with declarations, in response to the growing tensions around Ukraine, the USA will transfer 1,700 of its troops to Poland,” Morawiecki wrote.
“Since the very beginning, Poland has strongly opposed all displays of aggression and terror from the side of Russia and has raised this issue on the international arena,” he added.
The Polish prime minister underlined that “this gesture of solidarity from the United States is another important symbol of unity and cooperation of democratic countries, as well as a warning for Vladimir Putin against further military action.”
John Kirby explained that elements of the Brigade Combat Team from the 82nd airborne division will be transferred to Poland. Germany will receive elements of the headquarters of the XVIII Corps. These forces are currently stationed in Fort Bragg in North Carolina.
Additionally, a unit of around 1,000 infantry will be transferred from Germany to Romania for temporary deployment.
