Polish President Andrzej Duda urged NATO member states on Monday to increase their defense spending to 3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in response to Russian aggression against Ukraine.
The defense alliance currently sets a military spending target of 2% of GDP, with Poland spending about 4%.
Duda stated to journalists, “I would like to propose in the near future… that NATO members collectively decide to set the alliance’s requirement not at 2% but at 3% of GDP for defense spending.” He added, before his visits to Washington and Brussels, “This should be the threshold that should never be advised to go below.”
Duda and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk are scheduled to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday, marking 25 years since Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary joined NATO.
Duda emphasized that NATO must provide a “clear and courageous response to Russian aggression,” adding that “this response will be by increasing NATO’s military capability.” He stressed that NATO is a “defensive alliance, and defense means we respond if we are threatened by someone.”
In a video address to the nation, Duda described his proposal as “the best response to the current threats to international security.”
An opinion piece on this topic was published in the “Washington Post” on Monday.
Poland’s stance towards Russia has significantly hardened, particularly in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Polish public opinion has shifted drastically against Russia, with a nearly unanimous unfavorable view of the country among Poles. This sentiment is reflected in the overwhelming support for NATO and the EU, with a substantial majority of Poles advocating for military spending above the NATO benchmark and expressing willingness to use military force in defense of a NATO ally against Russian aggression. The invasion has also led to heightened Polish support for Ukraine, including arming Ukraine through NATO and backing its potential membership in the alliance.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk has articulated a strong position, characterizing the Ukraine-Russia conflict as a battle “between good and evil” and pledging unwavering support for Ukraine. This includes resolving economic disputes with Kyiv and enhancing military cooperation. Tusk’s remarks came during a meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlighting Poland’s commitment to Ukraine’s victory and their joint plans for arms production aimed at bolstering Ukrainian defenses.
Poland has positioned itself as a leader in Europe’s response to the Russian invasion, urging stronger military support for Ukraine and welcoming a significant number of Ukrainian refugees. The country’s proactive stance, particularly in pushing for the delivery of modern tanks to Ukraine, demonstrates its key role in shaping European security policy and supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Polish leaders have also been vocal advocates for tougher sanctions against Russia and have taken practical steps to assist Ukraine, both in terms of humanitarian aid and military support.
