Question Marks Surround US Decision to Cancel Deployment of 4,000 Troops to Poland
The United States suddenly announced the cancellation of plans to deploy 4,000 of its troops to Poland. The reason for the US cancelling this plan remains a question mark.
This cancellation is said to be in line with Washington’s desire to reorganise its forces in Europe after announcing that it would withdraw thousands of troops from Germany.
“The commander of US European Command received instructions regarding troop reductions,” said General Christopher LaNeve, Acting Chief of Staff of the US Army, during a US congressional hearing when asked about the cancellation of the deployment.
“I have worked closely with him in close consultation on which units to use, and it… makes the most sense for that brigade not to deploy to that region,” said LaNeve, referring to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team.
Quoting from the AFP news agency, Saturday (16/5/2026), according to the general, several elements of the unit have been sent abroad and its equipment is en route. He said the order to cancel the deployment came from the office of Defence Minister Pete Hegseth.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said the deployment was cancelled “a few days ago”.
Considered Shameful
Republican Congressman Don Bacon said the Polish government was not informed in advance.
“They called me yesterday. They didn’t know, they were surprised,” Bacon said during the congressional hearing. He called the cancellation of the deployment “shameful” and “an embarrassment to our country”.
US Troops Withdrawn from Germany
Not only Poland, but earlier this month, the US Department of Defence or Pentagon announced that it would withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the withdrawal was expected “to be completed within the next six to twelve months”.
The announcement came amid a heated dispute between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the US-Israel war against Iran.
Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated on Friday (15/5) that the cancellation of troop deployments to his country may be related to the withdrawal of US troops from Germany.
Trump Threatens to Withdraw US Troops from Germany
US President Donald Trump had previously threatened to reduce the number of US troops in Germany and other European allies. Trump said he wanted Europe to take greater responsibility for its defence rather than relying on Washington.
Germany immediately reacted after Trump planned to withdraw 5,000 of its troops from Germany due to a rift between the two countries. Germany, through its Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, urged Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.
“As close allies of the US, we have the same goal: Iran must completely and verifiably abandon nuclear weapons and immediately open the Strait of Hormuz as also demanded by (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio,” Wadephul wrote on X, quoted by AFP, Sunday (3/5).