Poland stands for increase of NATO military exercises due to Russia’s aggression

Poland hopes to increase the number of NATO military exercises in the Baltic Sea region due to the increased Russian military activity in the region.

"Everything that happened in December was unprecedented. It is clear that we want to pay more attention to the Baltic Sea" Tomasz Siemoniak, Polish Defense Minister, said, adding that the increase of the number of NATO exercises in the region may be the countermeasure, TVN24 reports.

Besides, according to the Minister, the EU and the NATO should be ready for prolonged strained relations with Russia as there are no current signs of conflict de-escalation, zn.ua reports.

“It’s much too early to lift sanctions against Russia”, Siemoniak emphasized. The Minister believes that sanctions are the most effective levers of influence.

The Defence Minister raised the issue on selling Russia French ships Mistral (L9013), expressed the hope that the problem was resolved and France expressed its final decision on this point.

December 11 Poland signed a contract with the USA on supply of 40 precision missiles. “At the time of ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine modern arms are especially important”, Tomasz Siemoniak stated.

Bronisław Komorowski, the President of Poland, stated before that the building up their own anti-missile and air defence systems are of Poland’s priority. Poland and countries of the Baltic region have suggested directing the European Missile Defense System at Russia. These states addressed the NATO leadership with the proposal.