Polish President Andrzej Duda told CNBC on Wednesday that it is “most important” for Europe to return to Cold War-era defense spending policies as the war in Ukraine continues.
The president warned that the security situation in Europe had “changed radically” since 2014, when NATO defense spending rules were first introduced.
“There's hardly any difference between Soviet imperialism and Putin's version,” he told CNBC's Steve Sedgwick on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. “It's about expansion, gaining territory, controlling other countries and expanding Russia's sphere of influence.”
“So, today, if we want to defend against this – and we Poles are doing it decisively – we are spending almost 5% of GDP on defense this year. We realize that we have to modernize our armed forces, and we have to be that way.” “Powerful and provides a real deterrent to keep Russian aggression away.”
Duda also called on other NATO members to boost their defense budgets in solidarity. He added that “percentages by themselves will not scare Russia,” but if money is directed toward expanding military capabilities, Russia could be defeated.
“I believe that if NATO members step up to the plate and succeed in modernizing their armed forces globally by at least 3% of GDP, they will be able to acquire such defense capabilities as to render any Russian attacks useless.”
Poland, which borders Ukraine to the west, has been a major supporter of Kiev throughout the war, taking in thousands of civilians fleeing the conflict and donating military aid, including tanks and armored personnel carriers. The total aid provided by Poland to the region amounts to 3.23 billion euros (or 3.37 billion dollars). According to presidential office data.
On Wednesday, Duda reiterated that Russia “must be repulsed” and order restored.
He added: “We now say that neither side can win directly, so we have to support Ukraine as much as possible so that Russia cannot defeat it, and so that Ukraine can expel the Russian army from as much of the occupied territory as possible.” He said.
As a member of NATO, Poland has also gained some immunity from US criticism for spending the most money, as a proportion of GDP, on defence.
NATO estimates This indicates that Poland spent 4.12% of GDP on defense in 2024. The United States, which came in third place after Estonia, spent 3.38% of GDP on defense spending.
Poland's relations with Washington are “very, very good, and we're buying a lot of American military equipment, tanks, fighter planes. In fact, you name it, we're buying it,” Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski told CNBC earlier Wednesday.
He added: “But, as the European Union, we must of course remain united in our relations with the United States. Certainly what is most important for the European Union is to focus on restoring competitiveness to Europe.”
“I think this is the best response to any possible tension with the United States. We know how to do it, and we will do it step by step. During the Polish presidency (the six-month rotating presidency of the Council of Europe) we will put competitiveness at the center of the discussion,” Domanski added.
