Poland welcomes NATO forces near the Russian border

Poland welcomed the first US troops in a multi-national force which is being deployed in Orzysz, some 60 kilometers from the Russian Kaliningrad enclave. The 1,100 strong formation, includes 900 US troops as well as 150 British and 120 Romanians. “Deploying of these troops to Poland is a clear demonstration of NATO's unity and resolve and sends a clear message to any potential aggressor,” NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Curtis Scaparrotti, said. “I wholeheartedly thank you soldiers and your close ones, who have accepted with understanding that you serve here in my country, on a land foreign to you, but I assure you on a fraternal soil,” President Andrzej Duda added. The troops will be shortly enlarged by the Croatian forces. Three other formations are due to become operational by June across the region.