The Russia-Ukraine crisis turns Poland into a strategic player in becoming vital to the West's efforts to project power in Eastern Europe. As a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine becomes more likely every day, Polish leaders are more aware of how this could affect Poland. Towns across the country have been setting up accommodations for up to 1 million refugees who could arrive if Russian forces continue. Poland has been providing Kyiv with vital support to fight the Russians, supplying them with tens of thousands of artillery shells, anti-aircraft weapons, and mortars, among other arms to the country.
The West has focused on Poland during this time because Poland is currently the top defense spender in Eastern Europe and its critical location in the region, making it a crucial part of NATO's. Poland is also Ukraine's second-largest trading partner behind China, and as more Ukrainian immigrants come into Poland, the residents and laborers have become an integral part of the Polish economy. The Russia Ukrain conflict has also created opportunities for Poland. With its new alliance with Ukraine and the U.K., Warsaw looks like it wants to expand its role as a regional node of security cooperation between Western Europe and Ukraine.
The government has pledged to double the size of troops and expand Poland's military budget, which would allow Poland to become more self-sufficient in its security in years ahead. With the Russian invasion, Poland knows it must prepare for a future in which it will have to play a leading role in keeping Putin's Russia at arm's length.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/02/23/poland-ukraine-russia-crisis-nato-strategic-role-military-diplomacy-war/
By: Genevieve Weiss
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