US withdraws military personnel from Poland’s Ukraine aid hub

The US Army has announced the withdrawal of American personnel and military equipment from the Jasionka base near Rzeszów, a key logistics hub for distributing military support to Ukraine.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated, “The Americans informed us in advance and assured us that the troops withdrawn from the Rzeszów area will continue to be stationed in Poland. This does not mean a reduction of US forces in Poland or in Europe.”

A statement from the command indicated that the troops would be moved to other locations in the country as part of “a broader strategy to optimize US military operations, increasing the level of support provided to Allies and partners while also increasing efficiency.”

The statement noted that the decision to reposition the troops and equipment “reflects months of assessment and planning, closely coordinated with Polish hosts and NATO allies,” adding that facilitating military aid to Ukraine via Jasionka will now continue under Polish and NATO leadership.

US forces had established a temporary presence in Jasionka in 2022 following the start of the war in Ukraine. Although not a permanent US military base in Poland, the area has been used by US, NATO, and partner forces for the past three years.