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'No signals' US troops could move from Germany to NATO's eastern flank: Polish PM

04.05.2026 00:05
Poland has received no indication that US troops withdrawn from Germany will be redeployed to NATO’s eastern flank, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Sunday.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk speaks to reporters in Warsaw on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk speaks to reporters in Warsaw on Sunday, May 3, 2026.Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański

"We have no such signals," Tusk told reporters when asked whether American forces could be moved east instead of returning to the United States.

His comments came after the Pentagon announced plans to withdraw about 5,000 US troops from Germany over the next six to 12 months.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the US military presence serves the interests of both Europe and the United States.

Tusk stressed the importance of NATO unity, warning that internal disputes within the alliance would be counterproductive, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

"Conflicts within NATO are the last thing we need," he said.

He reiterated that Poland’s long-standing strategy is based on NATO membership, strong transatlantic ties and a united Europe.

"The Western community—based on shared political values—is worth preserving at all costs," Tusk said.

The prime minister also pointed to what he described as shifting approaches among some politicians, including US President Donald Trump, compared with traditional policies that have underpinned security guarantees.

He said Poland should play a role in "reminding partners in Washington, Brussels, Paris and Berlin of the importance of unity, mutual respect and predictability."

"Only a united West, close transatlantic ties and solidarity give us a chance to protect our world and our system of values," Tusk said.

He added that Poland supports deeper European integration and a cohesive NATO, with strong military solidarity among the United States, Canada and Europe.

NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart said on Saturday that the alliance was working with the United States to clarify details of the planned troop withdrawal from Germany.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP