Key point: Trump agreed to send more forces to Poland to defend it against Russia.

What Happened: U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to deploy approximately 1,000 additional U.S. troops to Poland during a meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, Reuters reported Sept. 23.

Why It Matters: The deal, which formalizes the United States' commitment to protecting Poland from Russia, provides a diplomatic victory to Duda and his governing Law and Justice ahead of November elections. The additional U.S. troops will likely prompt a reactive military buildup from Moscow in places like neighboring Kaliningrad and, potentially, Belarus.

Background: Warsaw and Washington have been negotiating a permanent U.S. military presence in Poland for more than a year. The United States currently has 4,500 soldiers deployed in the country. 

U.S., Poland: Trump Signs Deal to Deploy More U.S. Troops is republished with the permission of Stratfor Worldview, a geopolitical intelligence and advisory firm.

Image: Reuters.