US troops are withdrawing from a critical airbase near Ukraine’s border, raising questions about America’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
At a Glance
- The U.S. Army is relocating personnel and equipment from Poland’s Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport, a key hub for Ukraine military aid
- Polish and NATO forces will take over operations with reduced U.S. military presence
- American Patriot missile batteries that protected the base have been removed
- Officials claim the move will save “tens of millions of dollars” for American taxpayers
- Up to 95% of Western military aid to Ukraine previously passed through this strategic location
Strategic Withdrawal from Critical Supply Hub
The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command has announced a significant change in its Eastern European operations with the withdrawal of American troops and equipment from Poland’s Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport. Located approximately 60 miles from the Ukrainian border, this facility has served as the primary logistics hub for delivering Western military aid to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began.
The strategic proximity made it an invaluable asset for rapid deployment of weapons, ammunition, and supplies to Ukrainian forces fighting on the frontlines against Russian aggression.
Polish President Andrzej Duda has attempted to downplay concerns, assuring allies that this move does not indicate a complete U.S. troop withdrawal from Poland. Instead, Polish and allied forces from Norway, Germany, and the United Kingdom will assume primary responsibility for operations at the base.
This transition occurs as reports suggest the United States may be considering broader troop reductions in Eastern Europe, potentially withdrawing up to 10,000 personnel from the region.
Epäilen kunnes joku ei pro-Venäjä lähde varmistaahttps://t.co/gxa8FI0W1G
— Aku Saarelainen (@sulkahattu) March 10, 2025
Cost-Cutting or Strategic Pivot?
Military officials have framed the redeployment as a financial decision aimed at optimizing operations and reducing costs. Gen. Christopher Donahue of the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command emphasized the financial benefits of the withdrawal, stating: “Poland is a great host. After three years at Jasionka this is an opportunity to right-size our footprint and save American taxpayers tens of millions of dollars per year.” However, this explanation has not satisfied all observers, with some questioning the timing and implications for Ukraine’s defense.
“The important work of facilitating military aid to Ukraine via Jasionka will continue under Polish and NATO leadership, supported by a streamlined U.S. military footprint.”, said U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command.
The withdrawal comes amid broader discussions about America’s military commitments in Europe. The Trump administration has consistently advocated for European nations to increase their defense spending and take greater responsibility for regional security. This repositioning at Rzeszow-Jasionka appears aligned with that “America First” approach, emphasizing burden-sharing among NATO allies while potentially allowing the United States to redirect resources toward countering China in the Indo-Pacific region.
Security and Aid Concerns
The withdrawal raises practical security concerns for both the base itself and the continuing flow of aid to Ukraine. In March 2023, Polish authorities detained members of a Russian spy ring that had been gathering intelligence on the airport’s operations. The American Patriot missile batteries that previously protected the facility have now been removed, leaving questions about how the airspace will be secured. Germany is expected to deploy its IRIS-T air defense systems to fill this gap, though specific details remain unclear.
According to Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz: “Duties previously carried out by U.S. forces in Jasionka are now being taken over by other allies.”
The Rzeszow facility has been crucial for military assistance to Ukraine, with reports indicating that up to 95% of Western aid passed through this strategic location. The airport also served as a vital transit point for foreign leadership visits to Kyiv. While officials insist that aid will continue to flow under NATO leadership, the efficiency of these operations without significant American involvement remains to be tested. Secretary Pete Hegseth has reaffirmed the US commitment to Poland’s defense, though the practical implementation of this commitment appears to be evolving.
Future of US Support for Ukraine
The Rzeszow withdrawal appears to be part of a larger pattern of adjusting America’s approach to the Ukraine conflict. While the United States maintains over 84,000 active-duty personnel across Europe, with significant deployments in Germany, Italy, the UK, and Poland, there are indications that this footprint may be reduced. The Trump administration has signaled that while it does not intend to withdraw from NATO entirely, it may significantly reduce financial and military aid to Ukraine, shifting leadership responsibilities to European NATO members.
This transition represents a significant test for European defense capabilities and commitment. As American forces step back from direct operational control at this critical supply hub, NATO allies must demonstrate their ability to maintain the flow of military aid to Ukraine without disruption. For Poland and other frontline NATO members, this adjustment underscores the need to develop more robust independent defense capabilities while working within the framework of collective security that has underpinned European stability for decades.
