Hundreds of Polish residents took to the streets to give a hero's welcome to a convoy of U.S. troops who are driving through eastern Europe and deliver a damning message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Children climbed on to Stryker armoured vehicles and even offered souvenirs to the troops, who stopped to pose for pictures in the main square of the eastern Polish town of Bialystok. Meanwhile other residents lined the roads and applauded as the troops from the 3rd Squadron of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment of the American Army passed by. Scroll down for video People gather around a U.S. Army Stryker armoured vehicle in Bialystok, which was part of a convoy of American tanks driving through the Polish townTroops from the 3rd Squadron of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment were passing through Polish town of BialystokResidents lined the streets to greet the soldiers as they posed for pictures with locals who offered them giftsThe soldiers had been taking part in a NATO exercise to demonstrate their readiness to defend its membersPoland borders both Ukraine and Russia and the conflict between the two countries has caused anxiety there
Putin, in particular, is seen as the main driving force behind the war, allegedly sending _ troops to support the rebels in the east who want independence from the Ukrainian government. Putin, in particular, is seen as the main driving force behind the war, allegedly sending Russian troops to support the rebels in the east who want independence from the _ government. In just a year, it has cost more than 5,600 lives - and _'s neighbours have become increasingly concerned Putin will turn his attention to them next.