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Poland's president at Davos calls for a NATO missile defence against Russia

19.01.2024 07:00
The Polish president has called on the NATO alliance to develop an integrated system of missile defence amid the threat from Russia.  
Audio
Polish President Andrzej Duda speaks at the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Polish President Andrzej Duda speaks at the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.KPRP/Grzegorz Jakubowski

Andrzej Duda made the proposal at the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday.

Poland's head of state took part in a debate on NATO and the Future of Deterrence and Defense on Europe’s Eastern Front.

Duda outlined several ways to enhance NATO's military capabilities, Polish Radio's polskieradio24.pl website reported.

The Polish president said that "NATO should expand and integrate the system of missile defence" to protect its skies.

He added that "today, Russian missiles  pose a threat not only for Ukraine," and that Poland "has experienced this kind of threat directly," referring to instances of Moscow's rockets violating Polish airspace.

Duda also proposed that NATO create a fuel logistics network connecting the alliance's main military bases in Central Europe, to stengthen the eastern flank, polskieradio24.pl reported.

Later in the day in Davos, the Polish president held talks with Swiss counterpart Viola Amherd, as well as the leaders of Moldova and Singapur. 

Duda also granted Polish state distinctions to Estonia's ambassador to NATO, Jüri Luik, and Slovakia's envoy to the alliance, Peter Bator, according to officials.   

The president and the foreign minister, Radosław Sikorski, represented Poland at the 2024 World Economic Forum, which was set to conclude on Friday. 

Both stressed that despite a change of government in Warsaw, Ukraine can count on Poland's continued support, polskieradio24.pl reported.

Friday is day 695 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.

Source: IAR, polskieradio24.pl

Click on the audio player above for a report by Radio Poland's Michał Owczarek.