A recent title from the telegraph, Five dead in a Russian “direct hit” on a Ukrainian building, serves as a grim reminder that no part of Ukraine is safe from Vladimir Putin’s brutal invasion. The city of Lviv, located just 40 miles east of the Polish border, had been a refuge for those fleeing the conflict further east. However, since February 2022, it has become clear that no inch of Ukraine is safe from the horrors of this invasion.
Attacks on areas close to NATO territory highlight the threat posed by authoritarian leaders with expansionist ambitions. Poland, which experienced the destructive ambitions of Putin’s predecessors in the Soviet Union, understands these dangers all too well and stands in solidarity with Ukraine. And both countries have a key ally – Britain.
At a meeting last Wednesday, Polish foreign and defense ministers joined their British counterparts in strengthening bilateral cooperation on various issues, including Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and China, as well as bilateral defense capabilities. These talks mirror today’s NATO summit in Vilnius, where European security and the ongoing war in Europe are key topics.
At last week’s meeting, the four ministers reaffirmed their commitment to upholding an international system that protects freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity. They stressed the importance for countries to be able to trade fairly and determine their own future. The partnership between Poland and the UK will involve joint training exercises, strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense posture and countering state and hybrid threats.
Russia’s illegal attack on Ukraine and the fight against Putin’s influence in Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans were the focus of discussions. Poland and the UK are committed to supporting Ukraine in its defence, economic recovery, reconstruction, humanitarian efforts, exports and alignment with NATO standards and values. They also pledged to deepen sanctions cooperation, combat disinformation, empower Russian civil society, independent journalists and human rights defenders, and reduce dependence on Russian energy, weapons and food. Additionally, they expressed ambitions for energy security, countering disinformation, robust IT capabilities and promoting peaceful relations in the Western Balkans.
Poland and the UK are well aware of the help Ukraine needs as it continues to face Russian aggression. The two countries have been among the top donors of military aid to Ukraine, providing weapons, ammunition and equipment worth a combined £7.2 billion. They also trained thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and provided tanks and jets. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly summed up Poland’s and the UK’s role in supporting Ukraine well: “Just as the UK and Poland fought together to preserve freedom in Europe During World War II, today the UK and Poland are united again, at the forefront of international support for Ukraine.
To ensure the security of Ukraine and the Euro-Atlantic region, the momentum gained through this enhanced partnership must continue through to the NATO summit in Vilnius and beyond. It is crucial to increase the number of troops deployed on NATO’s eastern flank and to increase the size of battlegroups and high-readiness forces. Infrastructure development, including storage facilities, transport links and a reliable supply of fuel, is also needed. It is important to note that each NATO member should commit to allocating at least 2% of its GDP per year to defense budgets – Poland and the United Kingdom are leading the way in this area.
The issue of Ukraine’s NATO membership is an urgent concern. There is a consensus among the Allies that the future of the country lies within the Alliance. While the extent of Ukraine’s institutional integration into NATO is still being determined, there is momentum to provide support between the Vilnius summit and full membership. The Vilnius meeting brings Ukraine closer to the Alliance.
We must not forget the horrific images coming out of Lviv and Ukraine as a whole. These images are a reminder of the urgency of obtaining the best result for both NATO allies and the beleaguered country. Poland and the UK, newly emboldened by their partnership, must continue to lead the way in supporting Ukraine and ultimately welcoming the country into the Alliance to secure our collective future.
Piotr Wilczek is Poland’s Ambassador to the UK
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