(Poznan) The United States on Tuesday inaugurated its first permanent military garrison in Poland, which, according to the United States ambassador in Warsaw, is a sign of NATO unity “in the face of Russian aggression “.
“It shows that we are here to stay. This tells the world that the United States is committed to Poland and NATO. We are united in the face of Russian aggression,” US Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski said at an official ceremony.
The garrison, eighth in Europe, will be responsible for coordinating support for US forces deployed in Poland and across NATO’s eastern flank.
It was established based on a decision by the US President in 2022 and will serve as the headquarters of the US Army’s 5th Corps.
More than 10,000 American soldiers are currently stationed in Poland, the country through which most of the military equipment destined for Ukraine passes.
“We very much appreciate the permanent presence of American troops in our country. We particularly appreciate it in the situation Europe finds itself in, with Russia invading Ukraine and trying to rebuild its empire,” said Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak.
“ The forward command of the 5th Corps of the American army is already operational – it is therefore from Poland that the American land forces on the eastern flank of NATO are commanded”, said the Polish minister, emphasizing that the garrison was “ important for the security of our country, but also for the security of the entire eastern flank of NATO ”.
