Polish Foreign Minister warns of possible Russian provocations against NATO: “We must be ready”

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said that the Russian Federation currently does not have sufficient military potential for a full-scale attack on NATO countries, but may resort to hybrid provocations to provoke an escalation of the security situation in Europe.

He stated this in an interview with CNN on the eve of the NATO summit.

According to Sikorski, while Ukraine is deterring Russian aggression, the Kremlin is not able to launch a large-scale offensive even against the Baltic states. At the same time, he does not rule out that Moscow may use the scenario of the so-called “operation under a foreign flag.”

“Russia cannot attack NATO using conventional military force. But it is able to organize a provocation under a foreign flag, for example, using drones, and then declare that it is only responding to an alleged attack by the Alliance,” the Polish diplomat noted.

In his opinion, timely public warning of possible scenarios of the Kremlin can be one of the factors deterring such actions.

“We must clearly demonstrate that we understand Russia’s possible intentions. I hope that this is what will force the Kremlin to abandon the implementation of such plans,” Sikorski emphasized.

Poland is stepping up preparations for possible threats

The statement of the head of Polish diplomacy came against the backdrop of reports of active preparation by Poland for various scenarios of the development of the security situation on NATO’s eastern flank.

Earlier, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported that the government was analyzing possible risks after warnings from American partners about potential provocations from Russia.

NATO is moving to a new security model

Radoslav Sikorski also noted that the Alliance is gradually moving to a new defense model, in which European countries will take greater responsibility for the formation of powerful conventional armed forces, while the United States will focus on strategic components of security – nuclear deterrence, intelligence and logistical support.

He is convinced that by the end of the decade, NATO will form an updated collective defense system that will become even more effective.

“If Vladimir Putin decides to try out the new NATO model, it will be an extremely irresponsible step,” the minister said.

Poland increases defense spending

Separately, Sikorski stressed that Poland continues to actively invest in its own security. According to him, this year the country is spending 4.8% of its gross domestic product on defense, which is one of the highest indicators among the Alliance member states.

At the same time, the Polish government maintains confidence in the strategic partnership with the United States.

“American military units are already stationed on the territory of Poland, and we continue to count on the further strengthening of this cooperation,” the Polish Foreign Minister concluded.