US refusal to move troops to Poland was not sudden move, Pentagon says

Acting Pentagon spokesperson Joel Valdez explained that the reduction of the US military presence in Europe was the result of a complex and multi-level process that took into account the positions of EUCOM command and other military structures.

During hearings in the House of Representatives, General Christopher LaNeve announced the cancellation of the planned redeployment of an armored brigade to Poland. According to him, the decision was made after receiving instructions to reduce US forces in Europe.

The Pentagon stressed that portraying the situation as a last-minute decision does not reflect reality.

Following Washington’s statements, Polish authorities launched consultations with the United States. Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz plans to meet with General Dan Caine to discuss further military cooperation.

At the same time, Polish presidential office state secretary Marcin Przydacz said President Karol Nawrocki had spoken with US President Donald Trump several days earlier.

According to Przydacz, agreements between the sides remain in force, and Polish authorities maintain direct contact with the White House and the US National Security Council.

"If necessary, of course, we do not rule out further contacts at the appropriate time, as well as meetings at the relevant levels. I am in direct contact with the National Security Council and the White House, including in recent days," he said.

After the announcement of the withdrawal of US troops from Germany, Poland declared its readiness to host American forces.

However, the United States canceled plans to deploy more than 4,000 troops from the 2nd Armored Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division to Poland along with military equipment.

Some troops are already present in the country, but a full deployment of the brigade was ultimately canceled.