Speaking during a press conference in Tallinn, Estonia on Wednesday, Andrzej Duda said: "It was no secret to us that the Americans intended to move their forces from Jasionka to other locations in Poland."
The president’s remarks came in response to questions about Tuesday's announcement from the US Army Europe and Africa Command (USAREUR-AF), which outlined plans to reposition US military personnel and equipment stationed at the Jasionka airport near the southeastern city of Rzeszów.
According to the statement, the move aims to optimise the deployment and training capacity of US forces in Poland.
"The decision to reposition troops and equipment reflects months of assessment and planning, coordinated closely with Polish hosts and NATO Allies," the command said.
'No plans to reduce American military presence in Poland'
Duda said that the relocation is not a drawdown but rather a redistribution of forces.
“Both President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, as well as Gen. Keith Kellogg, clearly told me that there are no plans to reduce the American military presence in Poland," he said.
"We have several sites across the country where American troops are stationed, and this relocation will happen where it makes sense," he added.
Duda told reporters the United States had cited training requirements as the main reason for the relocation and reassured the public that "the base in Jasionka was, is, and will continue to be protected."
Duda dismissed reports by NBC News on Tuesday suggesting that the Pentagon is considering withdrawing up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe, including Poland and Romania.
"I’ve been hearing this for a long time," he said. "Please stay calm and wait for actual decisions."
He also warned against falling for speculation and disinformation, saying: "There are various actors involved, including those who want to spread disinformation and undermine our defence."
The Polish president made his comments during the final day of a three-day official visit to Estonia, where he also toured the Cyber Range CR14 training centre in Tallinn.
The facility simulates critical infrastructure environments, including mock social media platforms, to help participants train in countering disinformation campaigns.
Earlier in the visit, Duda met with Estonian President Alar Karis, Prime Minister Kristen Michal, and parliamentary Speaker Lauri Hussar.
He and First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda also met with members of the Polish community living in Estonia.
Looking ahead, Duda welcomed recent news from Croatia, which plans to raise its defence spending to 3 percent of GDP by 2030.
He described this as "very good news" and recalled that he had formally asked NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to place the issue of increased defence budgets on the agenda of the alliance's upcoming summit in The Hague, Netherlands.
Poland is pushing for all NATO members to boost their military spending to at least 3 percent of GDP.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, europeafrica.army.mil