The United States military announced on Monday that it is “repositioning” its personnel and equipment from Jasionka, Poland, which is a key hub that has been used to transport weapons and military aid to Ukraine.
In a Monday press release, U.S. Army Europe and Africa announced “the planned repositioning of U.S. military equipment and personnel” currently staged in Jasionka to other locations in Poland. The Hill reported that roughly 10,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Poland.
U.S. Army Europe and Africa stated, “This transition is part of a broader strategy to optimize U.S. military operations, improving the level of support to Allies and partners while also enhancing efficiencies.”
Monday’s press release noted that the U.S. military’s decision to “reposition troops and equipment” followed extensive planning and assessment and was coordinated with Poland and NATO allies.
“The important work of facilitating military aid to Ukraine via Jasionka will continue under Polish and NATO leadership, supported by a streamlined U.S. military footprint,” U.S. Army Europe and Africa said. “Poland and its allies will maintain the robust protective infrastructure around this critical site.”
READ MORE: Putin drafts 160,000 men for Russian military as Ukraine war continues
According to the press release, U.S. forces established a “temporary presence” in Jasionka following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. U.S. Army Europe and Africa noted that the location has been used by NATO, the U.S., and other partners over the past three years. The Hill reported that Poland’s defense minister previously claimed that as much as 95% of the military assistance provided to Ukraine is transported through Jasionka.
In a Tuesday post on X, formerly Twitter, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said, “U.S. troops remain in Poland, but are stationed at different locations. The mission in Jasionka is now primarily carried out by Norwegian, German, British, and Polish forces, along with other allied troops.”
Since establishing a temporary presence at Jasionka, U.S. Army Europe and Africa explained that the Army has established U.S. Army Garrison Poland and “more robust facilities” in Poland.
“Poland is a great host. In the past few years we have moved to more permanent facilities in the country,” Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, said. “After three years at Jasionka this is an opportunity to right-size our footprint and save American taxpayers tens of millions of dollars per year.”
In Monday’s press release, U.S. Embassy Poland Chargé d’Affaires Daniel Lawton expressed gratitude for Jasionka’s warm welcome of U.S. personnel and “high-level visitors” over the past few years.
“Your support has exemplified the close ties between our nations and enhanced the strength of our U.S.-Poland partnership,” Lawton said. “As we adapt to evolving needs, this transition allows us to sustain our close cooperation while using resources more efficiently.”
