On the unity of the North Atlantic Alliance in the context of modern threats
29.01.2026
- I have had the honour to deliver a keynote speech during the meeting of the ministers of defence and the most senior commanders of the United States Armed Forces and allied armies in Europe, on the invitation from general Grynkewich. I have presented the Polish perspective on building the strength of transatlantic relations, bolstering NATO and the need to increase European defence spending, so that Europe is an equal partner to the United States in terms of military capabilities. I have also talked about the threats the Alliance faces, especially on the eastern flank of NATO, but also the ones for the entire Alliance - Russia and terrorism being the latter. I have touched on the issue of combating these threats, building the Alliance's strength and resilience and maintaining its unity. I have spoken about our experiences, our shared history, but also that NATO is not just an organization, a treaty or ministerial meetings. NATO is primarily its soldiers - their stories, their lives and readiness to shed blood and sacrifice their lives for peace and security - said deputy prime minister W. Kosiniak-Kamysz after the conclusion of the talks in Ramstein regarding regional security and support for Ukraine.
On 29 January 2026, the deputy prime minister – minister of national defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has participated in the meeting of chiefs of Staff of NATO countries in the Ramstein base in Germany. It was another meeting devoted to the situation in Ukraine and the support it receives, and to regional security.
- I am glad that the words on modernization, transformation and defence spending were well-received. I have stressed that we cannot wait until the year 2035 – spending on the level of 5% of GDP are needed here and now, as quickly as possible. The threats are not diminishing, but rather keep rising, and Europe must take greater responsibility. The Alliance does not exist without the United States. There is no NATO without the United States, but there is also no global power of the United States without their participation in NATO. I have been underscoring this in my talks with the military commanders, especially the strong representation of the United States Armed Forces, headed by general Grynkewich. The mere fact of inviting me – the sole minister of defence of an Alliance member state – to deliver a speech, next to the Secretary General of NATO, shows how important Poland’s role is, and how the Polish voice on shared security is perceived. We have also discussed the support for Ukraine, the capabilities we are acquiring, our standing in the European Union and securing 44 billion euros in the SAFE programme and the agreement of the European Commission to our purchase plans with the Secretary General of NATO. I have also presented a topic that will, in my view, be the most important in the coming days and months: strengthening the air defence of Poland, or the SAN programme – a layer of anti-drone defence, anti-drone shield and anti-drone wall, being a part of the Eastern Shield projects and the defence of the eastern flank of NATO. A strategic agreement will be signed tomorrow – underscored the minister of national defence
The deputy prime minister has arrived on the invitation from the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, general Alexus Grynkewich. During his visit, minister Kosiniak-Kamysz ha salso met with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte.
- We have also discussed the support for Ukraine, the capabilities we are acquiring, our standing in the European Union and securing 44 billion euros in the SAFE programme and the agreement of the European Commission to our purchase plans with the Secretary General of NATO. (…) Likewise, we have talked about the capability of allied forces to operate in different parts of the world and about how important the participation of Poland is in this context – in different areas and different scopes of engagement. I am glad that the voice of Poland is heard and heeded in NATO, and our perspective on security and threats, our sensibilities, are well-received in the North Atlantic Alliance. We are a proven and loyal ally. We are fulfilling all obligations stemming from the North Atlantic Treaty, including Article 5, and we are counting on solidarity, because the Alliance means solidarity – it is a two-way relationship – noted the deputy prime minister.
>>> GALLERY – Visit of the minister of national defence in Ramstein