US Military Trucks Cruise Across Poland to 'Demonstrate NATO Solidarity'

A display of American military equipment for residents in the Polish city of Lodz on Thursday is intended to demonstrate the US commitment to NATO amid ongoing tensions over Russia’s military buildup, the US Embassy said in a press release.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The presentation was to feature a 30 vehicle convoy of Humvees and Strykers vehicles as well as other military support equipment at the completion of a two-day tour of other cities in Poland, the release explained.

"This exercise is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve launched in April 2014, a demonstration of continued US commitment to the collective security of NATO and to enduring peace and stability in the region, in light of Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine," according to the release.

Following the display in Lodz, the convoy was to head for a nearby military base where exercises with the Polish armed forces will continue until March 10, the release added.

The decision of residents of Crimea to rejoin Russia in March 2014 has widely been viewed in NATO as a Russian aggressive behavior. This, in turn, has prompted US efforts to expand NATO’s military presence in Eastern European nations.

Moscow has repeatedly refuted any US and NATO allegations of aggressive behavior, and has warned that their amassing troops and equipment on Russian borders is provocative, contrary to previously reached agreements and can destabilize the region.