US, Poland defense leaders meet to strengthen bilateral partnership, discuss Ukraine crisis

Europe, News, US February 20, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak during his visit to Warsaw, as “Russia continues provocations in Ukraine,” according to the Department of Defense statement.

The U.S. secretary of defense and polish defense minister also visited Powidz Air Base and met with U.S. and Polish soldiers working together at the base.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also posted on his Twitter that “I had a very productive meeting today with Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak on Russia’s military activities around Ukraine.”

The U.S. defense secretary and Polish defense minister spoke during a press conference and stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is miscalculating. “What Mr. Putin did not want to see happen was a stronger NATO on his flank, and that’s exactly what he will see,” Austin said.

“We look forward to increasing our interoperability through Poland’s acquisition of M1A2 Abrams tanks, which will enhance NATO’s deterrence efforts,” Austin said. “It will also strengthen our interoperability with the Polish armed forces, boosting the credibility of our combined deterrence efforts and those of our other NATO Allies,” he added.

Austin also said during the press conference following talks, “In response to Poland’s formal request in July of 2021, Secretary (of State Antony) Blinken and I have relayed our intent to Congress to offer Poland the opportunity to acquire 250 M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks.”

According to the U.S. Department of Defense release, Poland regularly hosts more than 4,000 enduring, rotational U.S. military personnel — the fourth-largest concentration of U.S. forces in Europe. “And, of course, in light of Russian force buildups near Ukraine, we appreciate Poland for hosting an additional 4,700 U.S. soldiers who are prepared to respond to a range of contingencies,” Secretary of Defense Austin said.

*^{Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak speak to reporters in Warsaw, Poland, Feb.18, 2022. (Image Credit: Anadolu Agency)}*

The U.S. Defense Secretary Austin warned against the “imperialistic policy of the Russian Federation” and stated that “The support of the United States at this difficult time is a sign of responsibility and iron-clad commitment to the security of Poland and Europe.”

Separately on February 18, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held phone talks with Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu to discuss “the pressing issues of international security,” the Russian Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

The Kremlin stress that Russia has pulled back some of its troops following military exercises, however Western officials continue to argue they have not seen any evidence troops reduction.