NEW COLD WAR? THOUSANDS of US troops arrive in Poland in fresh warning to Vladimir Putin
THOUSANDS of American soldiers and heavy military hardware have arrived in Poland in a move that has stoked tensions with Russia.
Vladimir Putin’s spokesman condemned the arrival of more than 3,000 soldiers in Poland, claiming the move is a threat to Moscow's security.
The enforcement, sanctioned by Barack Obama, comes amid growing fears the decision to send US tanks to Eastern borders to deter any Russian threat could in fact trigger an all-out global war.
Dmitry Peskov, Mr Putin’s spokesman, said the move “threatens our interests and security”.
He told the BBC: “It’s a third country that is building up its military presence on our borders in Europe. It isn’t even a European country.”
Russian forces put missile systems on combat duty near Moscow
US and Polish forces will participate in large “massing” exercises in Poland at the end of the month.
It’s a third country that is building up its military presence on our borders in Europe
NATO has recently stepped up its plans to deploy thousands more troops to the Russian border as Putin continues to increase his nation’s preparations for war.
Hundreds of US tanks and trucks arrived in the German port of Bremerhaven on Saturday and are now being transported by road and rail to eastern Europe.
The plan, to rotate forces every nine months, is part of Obama’s response to Russia’s intervention in Ukraine and an attempt to reassure Nato allies.
An estimated 4,000 US troops and 2,8000 pieces of military equipment have been shipped to the NATO base in recent weeks.
Their arrival comes just days before Donald Trump, who has signalled he wants to improve relations with Russia, is formally sworn into the White House.