Graphic shows sites for potential military expansion.
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MILITARY

Plans for permanent U.S. base in Poland

By Mike Tyler

June 10, 2019 - The United States will likely move forward with plans to expand its military presence in Poland, which could include more than 1,000 new troops and the permanent stationing of forces in the country.

The U.S. and Poland are reportedly coming closer to agreeing a deal to boost the number of non-permanent American troops in the country by between 1,000 and 1,500. There are on average about 4,500 U.S. troops in Poland on rotation as part of NATO forces, according to Reuters.

Instead of constructing a single large military base, Washington has proposed dispersing U.S. troops across various existing bases in Poland.

Any build-up of American forces will likely trigger a response from Russia, which could boost its defence assets near Poland’s borders.

One potential site for Russia to bolster its presence would be Belarus, which is already one of Moscow's key defence partners. Other nearby areas include Kaliningrad, Crimea and eastern Ukraine.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 10/06/2019; STORY: Graphic News
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