During a U.S. House budget hearing, General LaNeve confirmed receiving instructions to reduce military forces, revealing that an armored brigade deployment to Poland was cancelled despite the country’s high defense spending.
General LaNeve Confirms Force Reductions
General LaNeve testified before the U.S. House of Representatives that both he and combatant commander General Alexus Gregory Grynkewich were issued directives to limit troop levels. RMF FM’s White House correspondent, Paweł Żuchowski, reported that these instructions were issued by the Pentagon.
The U.S. commander stated that the decision to cancel the deployment of an American armored brigade to Poland was deemed the most logical move. The announcement was unexpected, as Poland was not among the nations initially slated for a reduction in U.S. military presence. The general noted that cooperation with Grynkewich remains ongoing.
Congressional Concerns Over Strategic Signaling
Democratic Congressman Joe Courtney expressed surprise at the decision, highlighting that Poland is a NATO ally investing nearly 5 percent of its GDP in defense. Courtney argued that the move fails to account for the gravity of the European security situation and sends a negative signal to both adversaries and allies.
The congressman also placed the decision in a broader context, noting that the administration is simultaneously withdrawing approximately five thousand troops from Germany. He characterized these collective moves as a concerning signal for the alliance.
Polish Government Response
Polish Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated on Friday that there are no decisions limiting the presence of U.S. forces in Poland. He reaffirmed the permanence of existing installations, including the V Corps in Poznań, the missile defense shield in Redzikowo, and air bases in Łask and Powidz.
The minister explained the pause in the armored brigade rotation as a matter of logistical reorganization, noting that one brigade may be held back to allow for the arrival of another. He highlighted that Poland, unlike other allies, co-finances the maintenance of U.S. soldiers stationed on its territory.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed these sentiments, describing Washington’s decisions as logistical in nature with no direct impact on deterrence or national security. Tusk emphasized that he remains in constant contact with General Grynkewich and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, asserting that the situation remains under control.