Poland has announced plans to increase its defense spending to 4% of its gross domestic product (GDP) this year, in response to the escalating crisis in neighboring Ukraine. The move would make Poland one of the highest spenders on defense among NATO members, surpassing even the United States.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Monday that the war in Ukraine, where Russia has invaded and occupied parts of the country, had forced Poland to “arm itself even faster”. He said that raising the defense budget to 4% of GDP was an “unprecedented effort” and a “clear signal” of Poland’s commitment to its own security and that of its allies.
Poland, which shares a border with both Ukraine and Russia, has been one of the most vocal supporters of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It has also been one of the most active members of NATO, the transatlantic military alliance that considers an attack on one member as an attack on all.