WARSAW, Poland — The leader of Poland's ruling conservative party has hailed a decision by NATO to create a military presence on the alliance's eastern flank, saying it means Poland will stop being a "second-category" member of the organization.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski made his comment in a speech Monday that largely focused on other political matters.

It comes as the U.S. plans to build up forces in Central Europe in response to Russian intervention in Ukraine.

Poland and several of its neighbors are nervous about the Russian actions, which include the annexation of Crimea and alleged involvement in a conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Kaczynski said "everything indicates that we will stop being a NATO member of the second category, that the eastern flank will be strengthened, that the US. Army will be on our territory."