Poland, which devotes the largest percent of GDP among NATO countries to defence, has become a leading military force in Europe, but its precedence is inactive to keep the US's commitment to defending the continent,' said the British weekly Economist.
It has been centuries since Poland was late a large military power, but winged Husars have returned. In 2014, erstwhile Russia took over the Crimea, the Polish armed forces were 9th in size in NATO. present they are the 3rd, after the US and Turkey. They besides doubled their position to over 200,000.
“ The paper wrote.
Their budget tripled in real terms to $35 billion, and in Europe only Britain, France and Germany spent more. As a percent of GDP, Poland is definitely at the forefront
“ The authors of the article calculated.
The British weekly asks whether, given the advancement of the Russian army in Ukraine and the uncertainty about the engagement of the fresh US president Donald Trump in the defence of Europe, Poland can become a "new east safety anchor" on the continent?
This is the opinion of the Deputy Prime Minister and the head of the MON Władysław Kosiniak-Kamish.
We're dealing with a immense threat. If we didn't take this chance to strengthen our security, it would be a historic, tragic failure.
“He said.
Although Poland besides buys large quantities of weapons from South Korea, the minister emphasizes purchases from the US, due to the fact that the precedence of its country is to keep American engagement in Europe – he assessed the weekly.
Trump suggested that NATO countries should increase defence spending to 5% of GDP. Kosiniak-Kamysz pointed out that Poland is the only country of the Alliance that already plans specified growth. According to him, 4.1% were allocated for this intent in 2024, and this year the percent will increase to 4.7%.
"We have done what Mr Trump expects", and Poland may be a "bridge between the EU and the US", he said.
The British weekly noted in this context that due to comparatively fast economical growth, almost 3% last year, Poland may not gotta cut expenditure in another areas, as opposed to another NATO countries.
‘The Economist besides referred to Emmanuel Macron's thought of sending European troops to Ukraine in December following a possible truce. Prime Minister Donald Tusk then stated that Poland "does not plan" the presence of troops in Ukraine.
According to the Economist, 1 reason is the political situation in Poland, which is preparing for the May presidential election. Another, in his opinion, is the tensions in bilateral relations with Ukraine, including the Volyn massacre and the feeling among many Poles that Ukrainians do not express adequate gratitude for accepting millions of refugees and acting as a transport hub for military aid.
Omitting Poland to Ukraine
More crucial – says the weekly magazine – is “the feeling that Ukraine ignores Poland in dealing with allies”.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenski prefers to talk to the US, the UK, France, Germany and the European Commission. His government has small knowing of its western neighbour
“The authors assessed the article.
ml/PAP
