Poland lays claim to a leadership role in Europe as Russia's war threatens stability

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s foreign minister on Thursday called on NATO to increase its defense preparedness and said his government wants to be at the center of decision-making in the European Union, seeking to reestablish the country as a reliable international partner as the war in Ukraine rages across the border.

Setting out his vision for Poland at the heart of Europe, Radek Sikorski warned that a Russian attack on NATO would end in defeat for Moscow, but NATO must increase its defenses.

The previous national conservative government in Poland clashed frequently with the EU, especially over the rule of law. While Warsaw always maintained strong ties with the United States, its influence within the EU waned under the former government.

Arguing that EU membership brought many benefits, Sikorski said: “That is why it is so important for Poland to return to the group of countries creating Europe, and not defending themselves against Europe.”