“This is simply a key issue for Poland”
On Friday, a joint press conference in Warsaw was attended by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and national defence minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. Hegseth stressed that Poland is simply a "model ally" on the European continent, and that "the ties of the US with Poland are unwavering". “Our relationships are strong and strengthen each day. Poland is simply a strategic, front partner on the east flank of NATO," he said.
Former Head of the Intelligence Agency Colonel Andrzej Derlatka welcomes the visit of the Pentagon chief in Warsaw today. It mentions the most crucial issues that it believes should be addressed during bilateral discussions.
“Hegseth sent a clear signal that Poland plays an crucial function for Americans, and that is good news. From our perspective, the most crucial are joint venture issues, and specifically the reconstruction of the defence manufacture based on American technologies. Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz mentioned only the service, but to service, you gotta have the right powers – he explains.
— For us, first of all, the production of weapons in Poland is crucial, due to the fact that present we are the base of the front. If there was a war on our territory, we wouldn't be carrying spare parts from overseas or South Korea.. Of course, it's a good thing our military buys quite a few guns, but the second is simply a lot to spend on production facilities. And this is simply a substance that we should first of all address erstwhile talking to the Americans," he adds.
— delight note that German Rheinmetall is presently building 5 ammunition factories — including Ukraine, Romania and Hungary — but no in Poland. In my opinion, this is due to the German policy of omitting the Polish government. Therefore, we must learn from this and build the possible of Poland's defence manufacture based on cooperation with the US and South Korea. Gen. Skrzypczak even proposes to establish the Ministry of Defence manufacture and I full agree with it," he stresses.
“Does Minister Kosiniak-Kamish not see this?”
The erstwhile Head of the Intelligence Agency believes that a clear and long-term government strategy is inactive lacking in the improvement of the defence industry.
— And this is simply a subject that should be written over the years: what we need, what we need, in which direction we are to develop, what we gain from abroad, what we make in the country. Oh, my God, this is an simple matter. I don't know if Minister Kosiniak-Kamish sees it. Doesn't he understand? That has to change. – notes.
— Now is the best time for this, due to the fact that there is simply a fresh administration and a fresh hand in the United States. In addition, we are being put in the function of a Primus in Europe by means of large defence spending. If we are decently articulated our needs, the Americans will come to our aid – for example, by setting us as an example of the fact that being a good ally of the USA pays off – he argues.
— Another issue raised during this press conference is the verification of the presence of American soldiers in Europe. 2 weeks ago, there was a leak from Washington saying that the United States is planning to reduce military presence on the old continent by 20 percent. Now Hegseth de facto confirmed that specified verification would take place. Unfortunately, that's not a good signal. – notes Colonel Andrzej Derlatka.
— Especially since the Pentagon chief said that the US would focus on the Far East. And that means that possibly the soldiers who are stationed in Europe present will want to fill any gaps in that area.
“Then Russia will not dare to attack us”
According to the erstwhile head of the Intelligence Agency, the Munich conference could bring a affirmative breakthrough. The key issue is to guarantee adequate safety guarantees for Ukraine.
“ Pete Hegseth did not want to talk plainly here, and he covered himself with president Trump. That means the Americans don't know what position to take yet due to the fact that they have troublet – evaluates.
“The Russians do not accept membership of NATO Ukraine and do not agree to the presence of any NATO military forces in Ukraine. They want Ukraine disarmed and vulnerable. But of course this can be seen as a starting point for negotiations. Let's see how Trump can handle this. – adds.
— For us, the most dangerous thing is that there is inactive a Russian ultimatum of December 2021, which assumes the withdrawal of NATO troops from the east flank, including Poland. The question is, how will Trump respond in this context? Our position must be clear: no concessions. Russian demands are brazen and unacceptable," he stresses.
— Therefore, I will repeat – we must build the military power of Poland, due to the fact that then Russia will not dare to attack us and will not dare to request anything from us. Another key issue is the restoration of compulsory military service. We absolutely gotta do it now. – concluded Colonel Andrzej Derlatka.
