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Polish defence minister, NATO chief discuss security on alliance's eastern edge

18.12.2025 19:30
Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz met with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Thursday in northeastern Poland, with talks focusing on allied support for Ukraine and strengthening security along the alliance's eastern flank.
Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (right) and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte (left) meet in Bemowo Piskie, northeastern Poland, on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025.
Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (right) and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte (left) meet in Bemowo Piskie, northeastern Poland, on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025.Photo: PAP/Tomasz Waszczuk

Speaking at a joint news conference in Bemowo Piskie near the northeastern town of Orzysz, Kosiniak-Kamysz thanked Rutte for NATO initiatives such as Eastern Sentry and Baltic Sentry, which are aimed at reinforcing security on NATO's eastern borders and in the Baltic Sea region.

“We are grateful for all support and every operation strengthening NATO's eastern flank,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said.

He added that his talks with Rutte covered NATO’s forward-deployed forces in the region.

Kosiniak-Kamysz said Poland recently selected Swedish submarines for its navy and was expanding its capabilities to counter drones.

Rutte thanked Poland for its contributions to NATO’s collective defence and said the Forward Land Forces Battle Group stationed in Bemowo Piskie demonstrated allied unity.

"It is just one example of how allies are coming together for collective security," Rutte said.

He added that NATO remained united and prepared to deter aggression and defend allied territory, and he reaffirmed the alliance’s continued support for Ukraine.

Kosiniak-Kamysz said the talks also touched on proposals for a peace plan to end the war in Ukraine.

"Poland is an ironclad ally and will fulfill its obligations," he declared.

Earlier on Thursday, Rutte met in Warsaw with Polish President Karol Nawrocki to discuss security on NATO's eastern flank and efforts by member states to increase defence spending amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, according to Nawrocki's office.

The meetings came ahead of Nawrocki's planned talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Warsaw on Friday.

(pm/gs)

Source: IAR, PAPpresident.pl