Deploying U.S. troops in Poland wholly defensive, ambassador says in riposte to Russia

U.S. Ambassador to Poland Georgette Mosbacher talks to American pilots at the Polish military air base in Krzesiny, near Poznan, Poland June 17, 2019. REUTERS/Marcin Goclowski

KRZESINY, Poland (Reuters) - 2A U.S. agreement with Poland to send 1,000 extra troops to the country is a defensive measure needed for its security, the U.S. ambassador to Warsaw said on Monday, replying to accusations from neighbouring Russia that the move is aggressive.

U.S. President Donald Trump's pledge last week to dispatch the troops to Poland was a step sought by President Andrzej Duda because of past Russian aggression against Poland and to help solidify his country's ties to the West.