Poland’s defense minister has called for ‘political unity’ in the face of what he described as the ‘greatest threat to Polish sovereignty since the end of WWII.’
In reference to growing Russian hostility, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz told parliament on Wednesday: “There are many differences between us; we have political disputes in Poland and in this room, but the principle that should guide us, regardless of what party we represent, is cooperation for security.
“In the face of the greatest threat to Poland's sovereignty since the end of World War II, security is the most important task of this government.”
In response, President Andrzej Duda, who previously belonged to the main opposition party Law and Justice, said: “I was present here [parliament] to show that the issue of Poland's security, especially military security, is a matter beyond political divisions.”
“It is an issue that we should pursue together, as harmoniously as possible, and I am satisfied that this could be observed today.”
He added that “the issue of security should be addressed together.”
Russian influence in Poland
The call-to-arms follows the arrest of 11 people suspected of carrying out acts of sabotage across the country at the behest of Russia’s intelligence services.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the creation of a commission to investigate Russian and Belarusian influences in Poland over the last 20 years.
Outlining plans to bolster Poland’s security, during his speech to MPs on Wednesday, Kosiniak-Kamysz said that the country’s security services were combating acts of sabotage and subversion “every day.”
As a result, he said, from July 1, the Internal Security Service (ABW) would set up offices in 16 provinces, and the Military Counterintelligence Service would expand its reach to cover an additional four cities.
Eastern Shield
Referring to building up a strong military defense on Poland’s eastern flank, Kosiniak-Kamysz said: “There are delays here; it's true; it would’ve been better to make this decision two years ago, but it is never too late to do good things. Hence the decision to prepare a national defense and deterrence plan called Eastern Shield.”
“As part of the Eastern Shield program, various types of fortification equipment will be collected at the border, as well as new technologies used for monitoring and reconnaissance activities,” he added.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on May 18 that Poland would allocate €2.3 billion to the program.
“In the face of the greatest threat to Poland's sovereignty since the end of World War II, security is the most important task of this government.”
In response, President Andrzej Duda, who previously belonged to the main opposition party Law and Justice, said: “I was present here [parliament] to show that the issue of Poland's security, especially military security, is a matter beyond political divisions.”
“It is an issue that we should pursue together, as harmoniously as possible, and I am satisfied that this could be observed today.”
He added that “the issue of security should be addressed together.”
Russian influence in Poland
The call-to-arms follows the arrest of 11 people suspected of carrying out acts of sabotage across the country at the behest of Russia’s intelligence services.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the creation of a commission to investigate Russian and Belarusian influences in Poland over the last 20 years.
Outlining plans to bolster Poland’s security, during his speech to MPs on Wednesday, Kosiniak-Kamysz said that the country’s security services were combating acts of sabotage and subversion “every day.”
As a result, he said, from July 1, the Internal Security Service (ABW) would set up offices in 16 provinces, and the Military Counterintelligence Service would expand its reach to cover an additional four cities.
Eastern Shield
Referring to building up a strong military defense on Poland’s eastern flank, Kosiniak-Kamysz said: “There are delays here; it's true; it would’ve been better to make this decision two years ago, but it is never too late to do good things. Hence the decision to prepare a national defense and deterrence plan called Eastern Shield.”
“As part of the Eastern Shield program, various types of fortification equipment will be collected at the border, as well as new technologies used for monitoring and reconnaissance activities,” he added.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on May 18 that Poland would allocate €2.3 billion to the program.
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