Putin’s ally raises NATO concerns: Poland could be “next” in the conflict in Ukraine.

Michelle BarnesJanuary 15, 2024

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Putin's ally raises NATO concerns: Poland could be "next" in the conflict in Ukraine.

NATO Concerns: In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a Russian lawmaker closely aligned with President Vladimir Putin hinted on a TV program that Moscow may turn its attention to Poland next, raising concerns within NATO. This declaration is made as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which Putin started in February 2022, approaches its second anniversary and there is still no indication that it will end. Despite setbacks in the Ukrainian “special military operation,” Russian officials continue to suggest potential invasions of other regions, often former Soviet Union territories, including Moldova and the Balkan States, a Newsweek report said.

Poland was a member of the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War even though it was never a part of the Soviet Union. Because of this, it merits special attention when considering Russia’s expansionist rhetoric. The Russian Media Monitor’s founder, Julia Davis, posted a video of State Duma member Aleksey Zhuravlyov, who is well-known for his nationalistic beliefs, on state-run television in Russia. Zhuravlyov raises concerns about the West’s reaction to the conflict’s possible spread in the video, pointing out Poland’s vulnerability and other regions like the Balkans and Sweden’s readiness for the war’s next phase.

The main thing that sets Poland apart from Ukraine is that it joined NATO in 1999. According to Article 5 of the alliance, an attack on Poland would prompt a coordinated response from allies such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

Tensions in the area have increased as a result of recent events. Poland raised its armed forces last month in response to an unidentified object that had crossed from Ukraine. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this incident took place at the same time as a string of Russian missile and drone strikes. Furthermore, as demonstrated by events such as the explosion of a Ukrainian air defense missile in Poland in November 2022 and the finding of a Russian KH-55 missile in Poland in April 2023, NATO has voiced concerns about the dangers posed by stray Russian and Ukrainian munitions.

UK PM Rishi Sunak announces increase in military aid to Ukraine

Amidst the ongoing conflict, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak paid a noteworthy visit to Kyiv, where he announced an increase in military aid for Ukraine and signed a new security pact. This funding increase represents a significant increase in support for the acquisition of drones, including sea, long-range, and surveillance drones.

The UK, one of President Vladimir Putin’s strongest allies against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, has promised to increase its aid to 2.5 billion pounds ($3.19 billion) in the next fiscal year. As Sunak indicated, this is a 200 million pound increase over the preceding two years.

Speaking at a press conference, Sunak underlined the difficulties with international perception by stating, “Our enemies think we don’t have the patience or resources for protracted wars. If we falter now, we not only give Putin more confidence but also his allies in Iran, North Korea, and other places.”

Given that Sunak’s visit falls at a critical juncture in the almost two-year-old conflict, timing is everything. Kyiv’s situation has been exacerbated by political differences causing delays in aid from the US and the EU.

Western countries have provided Ukraine with significant military and financial support ever since the Russian invasion in February 2022.