German Embassy Explains Bundeswehr Presence in Poland, Calls Claims Disinformation

In brief

• The German embassy in Warsaw explained the presence of Bundeswehr soldiers and vehicles in Poland after social media posts and criticism from Polish politicians.
• The embassy links the presence to the 71st anniversary of the Bundeswehr and to NATO cooperation on the eastern flank.
• It says any claims of German interference in Polish affairs are disinformation and will be rejected.

Embassy statement after online outcry

Photographs and videos of German military vehicles and soldiers in Poland, including Warsaw, spread on social media in recent days and drew criticism from right-wing Polish politicians, among them MP Dariusz Matecki (Matecki alarmuje o niemieckich żołnierzach w Polsce. Ambasada RFN tłumaczy, co tu robią – RMF24). The German embassy responded on Thursday, saying it wanted to prevent misunderstandings (Ambasador Niemiec wyjaśnił obecność sił Bundeswehry w Polsce. Mówi o dezinformacji – Rzeczpospolita).

Anniversary events and NATO role

According to the embassy, celebrations marking the 71st anniversary of the Bundeswehr are being held at all German diplomatic missions abroad, including in Poland. An exhibition devoted to the 70th anniversary of the German air force is part of the program (Niemieccy żołnierze i sprzęt wojskowy w Polsce. Ambasada wyjaśnia – Wirtualna Polska). The embassy said the choice of Poland was deliberate and reflects Warsaw's key role on NATO's eastern flank (Польські праві політики здійняли гвалт через німецьких військових на вулицях Варшави – Європейська правда).

Military cooperation

The embassy pointed to existing joint military activity. German Eurofighter jets take part in the Air Policing mission at Malbork and Mińsk Mazowiecki, and Berlin has made Patriot system contingents available to protect Polish airspace. German engineers are also to support construction of the "East Shield" program.

Position on disinformation

The embassy stated that the current presence is purely ceremonial and coordinating in nature. It said any disinformation suggesting German interference in Polish internal affairs, or insinuating that allies are being used for other purposes, will be firmly rejected. The statement followed a series of posts accusing Prime Minister Donald Tusk of enabling such a presence.