DISINFO: Further deployment of US troops in Poland is a violation of the Russia-NATO Act of 1997
SUMMARY
Further deployment of US troops in Poland will be a violation of the Founding Act signed between Russia and NATO in 1997.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the US presence in Europe and hostile NATO plans against Russia (see examples here and here). On June 12th 2019, the United States and Poland signed a Joint Declaration on Defence Cooperation. The main agreements are to increase the presence of the US military and create special bases for them in Poland. Currently, about 4,500 US troops are based on a rotational basis in Poland. It is assumed that in the near future, the contingent will increase by another 1000 troops (relocated from the US military in Germany). The Founding Act on Mutual Relations, Cooperation and Security between NATO and the Russian Federation signed in 1997 does not prohibit the deployment of NATO troops from other countries on the territory of new NATO members in Eastern and Central Europe. Thus, NATO treaties with Russia will not be violated, as the total number of military personnel in the European Union will not change, only a redeployment of troops will take place.