The deputy head of the Pentagon mentions a possible permanent US base in Poland and the reduction of brigades in Europe

The mention of the possible stationing of American forces in Poland appeared in the statement of the deputy head of the Pentagon, Elbridge Colby, on the implementation of the National Defense Strategy (NDS).

In the section on Europe, the official said that in line with the strategy to shift the burden of responsibility for defending Europe, the Department of Defense is now focused on "showing and helping (allies)" how to meet this task.

"We do this at the bilateral level, through technical talks (...) and through other opportunities for closer cooperation, such as the ongoing examination of potential options for establishing a permanent U.S. military base in Poland," wrote the document sent to Congress.

Let us recall that the last talks on this topic took place last week, when the deputy heads of the Ministry of National Defense, Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka and Paweł Zalewski, talked to the Undersecretary of Defense. Earlier, US President Donald Trump spoke about "great progress" regarding a permanent base in Poland, which was interpreted as confirmation that the decision on this matter had been made.

The American brigade will not return to Poland

According to Elbridge Colby, part of the Pentagon's strategy was also to reduce the number of brigade combat teams (BCTs) in Europe by two (from five to three). One of the withdrawn brigades was stationed on a rotational basis in Poland, the other - in Romania.

The statement of the deputy head of the Pentagon seems to suggest that this unit will not return to Poland.

Speaking about the ongoing review of US forces in Europe, which will decide on the long-term deployment of troops, the Under Secretary of Defense noted that the decisions will be based on analyzes of the US European Command, as well as on consultations with Congress, NATO and allies. European capitals received questionnaires to which - as he assessed - they responded "substantively".

As for Ukraine, a US official wrote that European leadership in supporting it is "possible and appropriate" and that allies are already covering the costs of US aid under the PURL mechanism. The Undersecretary of Defense assessed that Ukrainian defenders "hold the front line" and prevent further Russian advances, which, in his opinion, favors lasting peace.