The French daily Le Figaro assessed on Thursday that the relocation of American ground forces from Jasionka means a gradual reduction in US support for Ukraine and raises concerns in the region. It noted that in Poland the authorities are trying to calm the reaction in the media.
“Apart from sending a signal to Ukraine, this symbolic relocation is causing concern in the region. Poland, like other countries on NATO's eastern flank, fears that it could suffer the same fate in the near future,” writes “Le Figaro.” “The Polish authorities are trying to calm down the media furor,” adds the daily, which quotes statements by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda on the relocation of troops from Jasionka.
The French daily recalls that the base “quickly became a critical point (in terms of) Western aid for Kiev”. It assesses that the relocation is a sign of the gradual weakening of American support for Ukraine. It speculates that “by handing over management of this strategic base, through which Western aid for Ukraine flows, to NATO (…) the administration (of US President Donald) Trump may have begun a more serious reduction of commitments”.
The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command (USAREUR-AF) announced Monday the planned relocation of American personnel and military equipment from the Jasionka airport near Rzeszów to other locations in Poland. President Andrzej Duda emphasized that this is not about withdrawing troops. He added that he is aware of the issue of taking over responsibility for security issues at the Rzeszów airport and that it was discussed “at the allied level.”
Prime Minister Donald Tusk also noted that the relocation of American soldiers from the airport in Jasionka was announced and consulted on many weeks ago. He added that the American side assured that its soldiers would continue to be stationed in Poland, and the decision does not mean a reduction in US forces in Poland or Europe. (PAP)
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