WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States and Poland said this week they are making significant progress toward establishing a permanent American military base in Poland, a move that would expand the U.S. footprint on NATO’s eastern flank amid continued tensions with Russia.
President Donald Trump said discussions between the two countries had advanced further than at any point in recent years, calling the effort a “major step” in strengthening the U.S.–Poland alliance. Polish President Karol Nawrocki welcomed the development and said Poland is prepared to offer what he described as “the best possible location” for the installation.
A U.S. military delegation recently visited Poland to review several potential sites, according to Polish officials. While neither government has announced a final decision, Warsaw said an update could come “very soon.”
Poland has pushed for a permanent American base since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, arguing that a fixed U.S. presence would serve as a stabilizing force in the region. Roughly 10,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Poland on a rotational basis, but Polish leaders have repeatedly said a permanent installation would provide stronger deterrence.
U.S. officials have not disclosed details about the size or structure of the proposed base. Polish defense leaders have suggested it could support armored units, logistics operations and joint training missions with NATO partners.
Russia has previously criticized NATO’s expansion of military infrastructure near its borders, warning that such moves increase regional instability. Polish officials counter that a permanent U.S. presence is necessary to ensure long‑term security.
Both governments described the latest talks as productive, raising expectations that the long‑discussed base may soon move from planning to reality.
