Poland is worried that progressive hero Vladimir Putin is going after their terrorist next. Poland has asked NATO to station 10,000 troops to protect their borders from Russia. Polish foreign minister has asked for two heavy brigades of armored infantry, with about 5,000 troops each, to be stationed in Poland.
|
| Poland asks NATO for 10,000 troops to protect its territory from Russia |
|---|
Against this background, Radek Sikorski, the Polish foreign minister, asked for “two heavy brigades” of armoured infantry, with about 5,000 troops each, to be stationed in his country. Poland has a 144-mile border with Russia’s Kaliningrad enclave.
“It is very important that all members should enjoy the same level of security,” said Mr Sikorski. “Poland has been a member of Nato for 15 years now – and so far the only permanent military institution that we have is a conference centre, training facility. We would welcome a prominent, major presence.”
Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, has expressed frustration over Nato’s reluctance to deploy troops in his country in breach, say diplomats, of promises made as long ago as 1997. “We are gaining something step by step, but the pace of Nato increasing its military presence could be faster,” said Mr Tusk.
Britain has offered to send RAF Typhoon fighters to join Nato exercises over Poland and air defence patrols above the Baltic states. But Poland wants Nato forces to be permanently stationed on its territory. Mr Hague gave a cautious response, saying: “We certainly need to give additional reassurance and confidence to our Eastern allies. The UK has said we will contribute aircraft to Baltic air policing and there may be other measures we decide upon.”