Poland, UK prepare defence pact, citing Russia as “direct threat”

Poland and the United Kingdom are preparing to sign a new bilateral defence and security agreement that identifies Russia as a “direct threat,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said ahead of his visit to London.

The agreement, expected to be signed during the visit, will focus on strengthening military cooperation between the two countries and enhancing their ability to respond to emerging security challenges.

“One of the first provisions of the treaty is crucial. We recognise that Russia poses the greatest threat. Polish-British cooperation is focused on countering this threat,” Tusk said.

He stressed that the deal will become Poland’s second most significant bilateral defence agreement after its existing arrangement with France.

According to Tusk, such agreements are designed to allow for rapid assistance between allies in the event of a crisis, even before NATO’s collective defence mechanisms are activated. He added that Poland plans to expand a network of bilateral defence partnerships to bolster its national security.

“In the event of a conflict, Poland will be able to count on a rapid response from France and the United Kingdom. (...) This is not a replacement; it is not an addition to NATO. <…> Poland is certainly a country that cares about NATO as a whole and about transatlantic relations. Nothing has changed here, but we want to be prepared,” Tusk said.

The British government stated that the agreement will include expanded defence cooperation, joint weapons development, the strengthening of air and missile defence systems, and the joint production of medium-range missiles.

Both countries also plan to increase the use of unmanned systems to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank and to conduct joint exercises focused on countering drones and electronic warfare capabilities.

By Tamilla Hasanova