Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said in Brussels that the “plan for victory” in the war with Russia, presented by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, “does not solve the issue.” There is “no great enthusiasm (…) neither in the EU nor in NATO”, he said.
Kosiniak-Kamysz is taking part in a two-day meeting of NATO defense ministers. On October 17, the heads of the ministries spoke with Zelensky about his ‘victory plan’. The Polish minister was asked about the progress of these talks.
In their hearts, everyone would like to see the “victory plan” come true. This is important not only for humanitarian and civilizational reasons, but also (in terms of) the security of the NATO countries. But there is no great enthusiasm – as I hear – in the European Council or at NATO headquarters, because the situation at the front is difficult and there is great fatigue from the war.
– he admitted.
He assessed that Zelensky’s plan “certainly does not solve the problem.”
It is not a bright, clear light that will immediately change reality
– he said.
The head of the Ministry of National Defense emphasized that Poland is leading in aid to Ukraine and supports activities aimed at joining NATO, but the invitation must come from the entire Alliance. “No invitation was made either at the Alliance Summit in July in Washington or yesterday. (…) The invitation must come from the entire Alliance,” he emphasized. He also noted that Ukraine’s invitation to join NATO “is point number one of President Zelensky’s statement.”
The head of the Ministry of Defense assessed that there is a clear willingness among Allied countries to increase defense spending. He emphasized that Poland wants to increase defense spending to 4.7% next year. GDP, the highest level among NATO countries.
It is highly respected here and many countries follow Poland. I’m not just talking about the countries on NATO’s eastern flank, (…) the countries of Southern Europe are also changing their strategy
– he said. He emphasized that allocating 2 percent of NATO countries’ defense GDP is only a “starting point.”
A Pole heads the NATO-Ukraine Center for Analysis, Training and Education
He also announced that the NATO-Ukraine Analysis, Training and Education Center (JATEC) will be led by a Pole, General Wojciech Ozga. The center should reach initial operational capacity in January 2025.
As he emphasized, General Ozga has extensive experience and has served for many years in various NATO units, including in Brussels and Naples.
It is good that a Pole will lead the only tangible NATO-Ukraine unit
– said Kosiniak-Kamysz.
The decision to establish the NATO-Ukraine Analysis, Training and Education Center (JATEC) in Bydgoszcz was taken in February and confirmed at the July summit in Washington.
As the head of the Ministry of Defense said, the center aims to achieve the first operational capabilities in January 2025 and fully develop them within a year.
I called on all our allies to participate
– said Kosiniak-Kamysz.
General Wojciech Ozga served, among other things, as head of the operational department for NATO and deputy of the Polish military representative to the NATO and EU military committees, based in Brussels.
A series of conversations between the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of National Defense
In Brussels, Kosiniak-Kamysz held a number of bilateral meetings, including: with ministers from Romania, the Baltic countries, Italy, Luxembourg, Albania and the United Kingdom.
He also informed that the DIAMOND air defense agreement was signed at the initiative of the British.
There are Germans, French and Italians there. This is a serious agreement for the exchange of air defense skills and activities. This is crucial for Europe. (…) This complements our Iron Dome initiative (…) and goes beyond the EU, because it includes Britons
– he said.
Kosiniak-Kamysz also raised the issue of CBOS research, which – as he said – shows that the military historically enjoys the highest recognition in Poland.
Never at such a level: 83 percent. trust in the Polish Armed Forces – there has been no research in history on the support of different professions. (…) Thank you very much for this, because only thanks to our citizens, thanks to our taxpayers, we are able to create a great army, transform the Polish army, build its strength and resilience
– he concluded.
MD/PAP
Source: wPolityce