In Brussels, Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz challenged Zelensky’s so-called plan for victory, saying it does not resolve the core problem. He noted a palpable lack of enthusiasm across Europe and within NATO, dampened by a difficult front and war fatigue.
Kosiniak-Kamysz participated in a two-day gathering of NATO defense ministers. On October 17, ministry chiefs spoke with Zelensky about the plan, and the Polish minister was questioned about how talks were progressing.
People privately hope the plan becomes reality, recognizing humanitarian, cultural, and security implications for NATO members. Yet, as he heard, there is little excitement in the European Council or at NATO headquarters, given the stubborn front lines and weariness from the ongoing war.
He acknowledged the mood and the reality facing allied leaders, noting that the path forward is not uncomplicated.
He argued that Zelensky’s proposal does not provide a solution to the underlying problems.
It does not offer a bright beacon that would instantly alter the security landscape.
The Polish minister emphasized Poland’s role as a major aid donor to Ukraine and its support for moves toward NATO membership, but stressed that any invitation must come from the entire Alliance.
No invitation had been extended at the July Alliance Summit in Washington or in the days that followed. The invitation, he stressed, must originate from all member states. He also noted that Ukraine’s invitation to join NATO was listed as the first item in Zelensky’s remarks.
He noted a clear willingness among Allied countries to increase defense spending, and he highlighted Poland’s aim to raise defense outlays to 4.7 percent of GDP in the coming year, a share that would place Poland among NATO’s top spenders.
The approach has earned broad respect here, with many allies following Poland’s lead. Not only the eastern flank states but also Southern European partners have started adjusting their defense postures in response to evolving threats.
He added that the 2 percent spending target is merely a starting point in a broader effort to build robust defense capabilities across Europe.
A Pole heads the NATO-Ukraine Center for Analysis, Training and Education
In a related development, the NATO-Ukraine Analysis, Training and Education Center, known as JATEC, will be led by General Wojciech Ozga, a Polish officer. The center is planned to reach initial operating capacity by January 2025 and complete full development within a year.
Ozga brings extensive experience from years of service in various NATO units, including assignments in Brussels and Naples, underscoring the value of Polish leadership in this joint effort.
Officials welcomed the prospect that a Polish officer will head the only tangible NATO-Ukraine unit, a sentiment Kosiniak-Kamysz reflected with a positive note.
The decision to establish JATEC in Bydgoszcz was taken in February and reaffirmed during the July Washington summit, aligning the project with NATO’s broader Ukraine-focused measures.
The center aims to initiate its first operational capabilities in January 2025 and to reach full development within twelve months, a timeline reflecting coordinated planning across allied capitals.
He urged all partners to participate in the initiative, signaling a call for strengthened multinational cooperation.
General Ozga has previously led NATO’s operational department and served as deputy to Poland’s military representative at 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 bilateral talks with ministers from Romania, the Baltic states, Italy, Luxembourg, Albania and the United Kingdom.
He noted that the Diamond air defense agreement was signed at Britain’s initiative, marking a significant step for Europe’s defense coordination.
German, French and Italian partners participated as well, illustrating deepened air defense cooperation. The arrangement is important for Europe. It complements the Iron Dome initiative and includes British involvement.
The minister cited CBOS research showing that the military has long enjoyed the highest public esteem in Poland.
The data indicated that trust in the Polish Armed Forces stood at historically high levels, with citizens and taxpayers enabling a modern, transforming army.
Kosiniak-Kamysz concluded that public support is crucial for ongoing reforms and the growth of Poland’s military capabilities.
He closed the briefing by stressing that citizen backing is essential for sustaining Poland’s security and its role in European defense.
They also touched on the importance of maintaining strong domestic support for a credible deterrence posture across Europe.
The discussions reinforced the sense of shared responsibility among NATO allies to confront threats and to modernize defense systems.
Participants emphasized continued cooperation on training, readiness, and interoperability among alliance forces.
The overall exchange underscored a common commitment to a secure, stable Europe through practical collaboration and solid alliance unity.
Policymakers in Brussels highlighted that future progress will depend on continued unity and sustained investment across the alliance.
In sum, Warsaw’s active leadership signals a broader commitment within NATO to support Ukraine while building modern, resilient defense capabilities across Europe.