Tusk says Russia could attack NATO in just a few months — FT
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Russia could pose a threat to NATO countries in the very near future. According to him, this is not a matter of years, but of a period of several months.
This was reported with reference to the Financial Times.
The head of the Polish government expressed concern about whether the U.S. is prepared to fulfill its NATO commitments to defend Europe.
"For the entire eastern flank, my neighbors… the question is whether NATO is still an organization ready, politically and logistically, to respond, for example, against Russia if it attempts an attack," he noted.
Tusk noted that some members of the defense alliance, led by the U.S., “pretended nothing had happened” when about 20 Russian drones violated Polish airspace last year.
The Polish prime minister emphasized that his words should not be taken “as skepticism regarding NATO’s Article 5, but rather as ‘hope that the guarantees on paper will turn into something very practical.’”
"This is really serious. I’m talking about the short term—months rather than years," he noted, referring to a potential Russian attack.
Tusk stated that he has “no hang-ups” regarding U.S.-Polish relations.
"Washington treats Poland as its best and closest ally in Europe. But for me, the real problem lies in what will happen in practice if something happens.
I want to believe that (NATO Article 5—Ed.) is still valid, but sometimes, of course, I have my doubts. I don’t want to be such a pessimist… but today we also need a practical context,” the prime minister added.
Tusk wants to be certain that if something happens, Russia will know that the response will be firm and unequivocal.
As a reminder, Macronarrived in Poland for talks with Tusk.
Earlier reports indicated that Macron and Tusk would discuss deepening defense cooperation between France and Poland in Gdańsk, including issues of nuclear deterrence and European security. The leaders also plan to discuss strengthening the defense industry and joint defense projects. This was announced to journalists on Thursday during a briefing at the Élysée Palace.
Fabien Mandon, Chief of the General Staff of the French Armed Forces, stated that the possibility of open war with Russia remains his primary concern in the context of army preparations.
Polandwill join France’s nuclear deterrence due to the threat from Russia — Politico.
