The US stopped the rotation of soldiers to Poland. The former head of the National Security Bureau reveals the behind-the-scenes of the negotiations

The US decision to suspend the rotation of approximately 4,000 American soldiers to Poland caused concern in Warsaw. However, the former head of the National Security Bureau, Jacek Siewiera, argues that “the ball is still in play” and similar decisions in the past were reversed.

US troops in Poland. Siewiera recalls negotiations with the Biden administration

Jacek Siewiera revealed that Poland faced a similar problem two years ago. It was also about 4,000 soldiers and Patriot batteries, the withdrawal of which was considered by the administration of former US President Joe Biden.

The former head of the National Security Bureau recalled behind-the-scenes conversations with US security adviser Jake Sullivan. As he emphasized, the negotiations were difficult and tense, but ultimately Washington’s decision was changed.

– This will be the third attempt to reverse this situation – he assessed.

The US prefers warehouses with equipment rather than soldiers

According to Siewiera, the United States is increasingly moving away from the model of permanent military presence. Instead, they prefer to store military equipment in Europe and keep soldiers outside the region.

– We are subject to an illusion: for Americans, a transactional nation based on material benefits in every aspect of life, how much we (soldiers – ed.) need it is the least argument. – said a member of the Atlantic Council think tank.

The security expert explained in an interview with TVN24 that for Americans it is a cheaper and more operationally flexible solution. In practice, this would mean leaving weapons in Poland, but without the permanent presence of full military units.

Siewiera also indicated another solution that would be a possible compromise. Something like this could be the transfer to Poland of the equipment of the brigade currently stationed in Germany.

Poland wants to keep American military capabilities

The former head of the National Security Bureau pointed out that the rotation procedure has not formally ended yet. Some equipment has already been unloaded and the process can still be resumed.

Siewiera also warned against the possible withdrawal of long-range strike systems, including Tomahawks, from Germany. In his opinion, Poland should strive to transfer these capabilities to the Vistula River.

Referring to Donald Trump’s declaration about the lack of reduction of US troops in Poland, Siewiera said that the most important are not political declarations, but real military decisions and negotiations conducted behind the scenes, so it is difficult to say now what decisions will be made.