NATO secretary general highlights Poland's 'crucial support' for Ukraine

Poland continues to provide Ukraine with critically important military assistance while significantly strengthening its own defense capabilities within NATO, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said.

He made the remarks at a joint press conference with Polish Minister of National Defense Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz in Warsaw on Thursday, Ukrinform reports.

Rutte thanked the troops serving as part of NATO's Forward Land Forces in Poland, noting that the base he visited today hosts forces from Romania, Croatia, the United Kingdom, and Poland.

"The Forward Land Forces here in Bemowo Piskie are just one example of how Allies come together in service of our shared security. It is also an example of Poland's many contributions to our collective deterrence and defense," he said.

Rutte praised Poland's commitment to increase the size of its armed forces to 300,000 personnel by 2035 and to invest more than 4.5% of GDP in defense, with this figure set to rise further in 2026.

Rutte separately highlighted Poland's "crucial support to Ukraine." According to him, since the start of Russia;s full-scale invasion, Warsaw has provided Kyiv with more than EUR 4 billion in military aid, including $100 million for the PURL initiative, and has also taken in large numbers of Ukrainian refugees.

In addition, Poland hosts a key military logistics hub for Ukraine, as well as the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Center (JATEC).

"Bottom line – NATO stands united and ready. To deter aggression and defend our freedom and security. And to continue our vital support to Ukraine," Rutte said.

Photo: NATO