In what many believe to be a “damning” message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, hundreds of residents in the Polish town of Bialystok heaped adulation upon United States troops — the 3rd Squadron of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment of the U.S. Army — as they rolled through their streets as part of a NATO exercise aimed to show “readiness to defend its members”.

Since Poland borders both Ukraine and Russia, it’s no secret that anxiety has risen among Polish citizens, as the two hawkish neighbors trend closer and closer to conflict.

In the video above you can see the adoration expressed by Poles in regards to the U.S. military’s presence. Posed pictures were taken and gifts were exchanged in what, from afar, resembled a homecoming parade.

Daily Mail