US presence in Poland deters threats from Russia, Belarus – Polish Defence Minister

He made the statement during a visit to the Fort Knox base in the United States, the Polish Ministry of Defence reports.

Blaszczak noted that part of the US Army's 5th Corps Command is permanently stationed in Poznan, Poland, from where US soldiers command the entire eastern flank of NATO.

The minister called this presence very important in the context of the war in Ukraine and the movement of Wagner mercenaries to Belarus.

"On the one hand, we are dealing with Russia's attack on Ukraine, there is a war going on there. On the other hand, we are aware of the threats from the territory of Belarus. Today we know that Wagner soldiers are in Belarus. The American presence is the best way to deter the aggressor," Blaszczak said.

He also announced the redeployment of two Polish battalion combat groups to strengthen the border from the west to the east of the country.

• Earlier media reported that Poland  has become a leader in defence spending among NATO countries with almost 4% of gross domestic product going for the Polish army.