US Strengthens Military Presence in Europe Against Russia... First Corps Headquarters Stationed in Poland

U.S. President Joe Biden (center in the first row) and other world leaders attending the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The United States is significantly increasing its military presence in Europe to counter the threat from Russia. This includes stationing the first permanent troops in Poland, which borders Russia, marking the largest reinforcement since the Cold War.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and others, U.S. President Joe Biden stated on the 29th (local time) at the NATO summit held in Madrid, Spain, "We are proving now more than ever that NATO is necessary." He explained the plan to strengthen U.S. military posture in Europe by saying, "We are enhancing our military posture to respond to the changed security environment in Europe and to strengthen our collective security."

Currently, about 100,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Europe, which has increased by approximately 20,000 since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February. The Biden administration plans to deploy more military equipment and forces to NATO member countries, maintaining levels above the current status. The additional deployment areas include Poland, Romania, and the Baltic coastal countries.

In particular, the U.S. Army's V Corps forward command headquarters, along with a field support battalion, will be permanently stationed in Poland. The V Corps oversees U.S. Army operations in the European region. The WSJ reported, "This is the first permanent troop deployment in Poland," and noted that "Russia's war in Ukraine is shaking international security."

The United States will also rotate combat brigades of 3,000 and 2,000 troops in Poland and Romania, respectively. Military equipment will be deployed to the Baltic coastal countries including Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

Additionally, the U.S. will send more naval destroyers to Spain and station short-range air defense batteries in Italy. Two additional squadrons of F-35 stealth fighters will be sent to the United Kingdom. Military personnel in Germany will also be increased by more than 600. The White House confirmed, "These forces will enhance our command and control capabilities, interoperability with NATO, and equipment management."

Russia immediately protested. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said through Russian state media on the same day, "They are deluded into thinking they can threaten and somehow contain Russia," and warned, "We will take retaliatory measures."

Previously, NATO and Russia agreed in 1997 that NATO forces would not be permanently stationed in Eastern European countries adjacent to Russia after the Cold War. The U.S. side stated that the permanent stationing in Poland applies only to the corps-level command headquarters, and the rest are rotational deployments, which do not pose an issue.

President Biden said, "NATO is strong and united, and at this summit, we will further strengthen our collective power," adding, "We will prepare NATO to respond to threats from all domains and directions, including land, air, and sea."