Poland in talks with US on increasing military presence, PM says
Washington — Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Sunday that Poland is in talks with the Biden administration about increasing the U.S. military presence in the country as President Biden prepares to visit Poland this week. One year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We are in discussions with the Biden administration about making their presence more permanent and increasing,” Morawicki told “Face the Nation” host Margaret Brennan.
He also expressed gratitude for the weapons provided by the United States and reiterated the importance of NATO in deterring Russian aggression.
“I am also very grateful for the new Patriot systems and other very modern weapons and ammunition that they have sent. [the] “The two are working together, of course, the presence of soldiers,” Morawiecki said, referring to the US initiative to replenish the equipment Poland sent to Ukraine. I also recall President Biden’s words during a visit to , when he said every inch or square inch of NATO country territory would be defended and that Russia had no intention of invading those countries.
US troops first sent to Poland 2017 As part of NATO’s efforts to strengthen the alliance’s eastern front in response to Russia’s aggressive actions in the region.thousands reinforcements Deployed to the country before Russia’s invasion last year, there are now about 11,000 US troops stationed in Poland on a rotating basis.
Since the invasion of Ukraine, NATO has strengthened its military presence across Europe.Last June, Mr. Biden announced For the first time, the United States has a permanent headquarters in Poland. To comply with the 1997 agreement between Russia and NATO, the permanent armed forces do not include combat units.
White House announced Earlier this month, Biden was scheduled to travel to Poland this week to discuss US-Polish cooperation and joint efforts to support Ukraine and strengthen NATO.
“We expect very strong confirmation of our resilience and our joint efforts to defeat Russia in Ukraine,” Morawiecki said. “Some Western European politicians say Russia cannot win this war and Ukraine cannot lose. We must change that paradigm, Ukraine must win. I have to say that Russia has to lose, and I believe President Biden’s words will be reassuring. [of] “To Europe, America stands with us in the fight for freedom and peace.”
Poland has been a major source of aid to Ukraine since the conflict began, hosting more than 1.5 million people. Ukrainian refugees and spend billions of dollars To provide housing, healthcare and other services. Poland has borders with both Ukraine and Belarus, where Russian troops have been stationed since before the conflict began, and could become the next country in President Vladimir Putin’s sights if Ukraine falls to Russia. I have.
last monday, President of Moldova condemns Russia plans to instigate protests calling for the overthrow of the government to destabilize the country. He said he was “deeply concerned” about his actions.
Asked if Poland had seen any evidence that Russia could target other countries, including him, Morawiecki replied, “Yes, I have seen many fingerprints of the Russian military in Moldova, of Russian service. “This is a very weak, very weak country,” he added. And we all need to help them. ”
Morawiecki also referred to other Russian provocations reaching beyond Ukraine’s borders.
“One of the missiles. [the] The Ukrainian defense system fell on Polish territory, killing people. And this is a direct result of Russia’s rocket and missile attacks on Ukraine,” he said. incident in november This raised concerns that NATO allies would be drawn into the fighting.
The Prime Minister also hoped that fighter planes would be delivered to Ukraine in the near future to support their fight.
“At the beginning of the war, there were many unimaginable things, [the] The unimaginable has become possible.Such [it] As with tanks, so did the Patriot’s anti-air, anti-missile, and anti-rocket systems,” Morawiecki said.
Morawiecki also echoed statement He announced at the Munich Security Conference this week his intention to provide Ukraine with Soviet-era MiG fighter jets. The United States agreed to send tanks to Ukraine last month, but has so far resisted calls to send fighter jets.
“As for fighters, I also believe that eventually fighters from the West will be delivered to Ukraine. Poland’s position is that it can do this, but in combination with other NATO allies, Especially the United States,” Morawiecki said.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/poland-us-troops-biden-ukraine-mateusz-morawiecki-face-the-nation/ Poland in talks with US on increasing military presence, PM says