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Poland in turmoil: Is the country trembling before Putin's next attack?
Poland's concerns about Russia's aggression after ceasefire: US strategy, EU rearmament and upcoming elections in focus.
Poland in turmoil: Is the country trembling before Putin's next attack?
Amid rising tensions in Europe, Paweł Kowal, chairman of the foreign policy committee in the Polish parliament, expresses concern about possible Russian aggression. After a recently achieved ceasefire, Kowal sees Poland in the "crosshairs" of Putin's Russia, which is blamed for the failed subjugation of Ukraine. The Polish politician warns against provocative actions on the borders with Belarus and Russia and emphasizes the need to strengthen European defense.
Kowal emphasizes that the US wants to prevent a disintegrating Russia in order to avoid destabilization in the region. American investors view eastern Poland as a risky region, which Kowal sees as another reason for the need for a robust defense system. Despite the planned rearmament, he is skeptical about the 800 billion euro EU rearmament package, which sets the time and financial framework for the necessary investments in modern military technologies.
EU strengthens defense against Russia
The EU is responding to the growing threat from Russia and the uncertain role of the USA in NATO with a new strategy paper. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has presented an initiative that aims to significantly increase the EU's defense capability by 2030. Over the next four years, 800 billion euros are to be mobilized for modern weapons systems, with 65 percent of all components having to come from the EU. This is intended to reduce dependence on external suppliers, especially the USA.
However, some Eastern European countries, including Poland, fear that these requirements could slow down arms procurement and make it more expensive. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has opposed such restrictions, while critics warn the requirements could increase red tape and delay the acquisition of needed weapons.
Threat from Russia and security strategies
The new EU defense strategy is seen as a response to Russia's territorial ambitions. European intelligence agencies believe it is likely that Russia could test the NATO assistance commitment by 2030 if it continues to be successful in Ukraine. Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, highlights that defense has not been a priority in the last decade and that there is a need for action for the EU.
The White Paper on the EU's Defense Capability calls not only for a fundamental reform of military structures, but also for an intensification of military support for Ukraine. The planned measures include the use of two million rounds of artillery per year and various anti-aircraft systems. This is intended to strengthen Ukraine as the front line of EU security and defense policy!
Kowal is optimistic about the upcoming Polish presidential elections on May 18 and expects a victory for government candidate Rafal Trzaskowski. However, he also has concerns that a possible victory by opposition candidate Karol Nawrocki could destabilize the coalition. This could affect further European efforts to strengthen defense policy.
In this tense geopolitical landscape, it is clear that the EU's military buildup and the robustness of national armed forces in Poland and other Eastern European countries are crucial to countering the challenges posed by Russia.
The situation remains tense as the EU and its member states continue to work on a coherent defense and security strategy in the face of Russian aggression.