Latest news with #DariuszLukowski
Russia Today
26-03-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
Poland only has ammo for two weeks of war
Poland has ammunition to hold the line for up to two weeks in the event of war, until allied forces arrive, the head of the country's National Security Bureau has said. Dariusz Lukowski told local broadcaster Polsat News on Wednesday that Poland has been increasing arms production to build sufficient capacity to resist a potential Russian attack. The NATO member shares a 144-mile border with Russia's Kaliningrad exclave. Moscow has consistently denied having aggressive intentions toward NATO countries and insists that the Ukraine conflict was triggered by the military bloc's expansion toward Russia's borders. Asked whether Poland's reserves might only last for five days of war, Lukowski said that was 'possible in many areas and types of ammunition,' though not across all categories of munitions. 'I believe that depending on how the fighting unfolds, we could maintain defensive operations for a week or two with the current level of stockpiles,' he said. Read more Poland to mine borders with banned weapons According to Lukowski, the situation is most critical when it comes to ammunition for older weapons systems, for which production has already ceased. Lukowski said Poland has been draining its stockpiles to supply weapons to Ukraine, but emphasized 'this is being done very cautiously,' and added that 'at this stage, we are replenishing those stockpiles.' He also said that as long as the Ukraine conflict continues, 'we are gaining time to rebuild our [military] potential – the capacity to produce and replenish those stockpiles.' Poland is among several NATO members who argue that Russia poses a threat. Warsaw has launched a $2.6 billion 'Eastern Shield' project to beef up its eastern border, with officials indicating that anti-personnel landmines could play a key role. Moscow has repeatedly ridiculed Western claims that it intends to attack NATO or EU states, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed such statements as 'nonsense.' Putin has also suggested that the supposed threat of a Russian attack is being used by European politicians to scare their citizens to extract more resources from them and justify increased military spending. Russian officials have also blasted the EU's increasing military build up as reckless and escalatory. The Kremlin says the bloc's confrontational rhetoric and plans could hamper the chances of finding a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Poland can withstand invasion for 2 weeks before NATO steps in, security chief says
The Polish military has enough supplies to resist an enemy attack for up to two weeks before NATO reinforcements arrive, Dariusz Lukowski, head of Poland's National Security Bureau, told Polsat News on March 26. "I think, depending on how this fight goes, this defense can be carried out for a week or two at today's inventory levels," Lukowski said in response to a question on how long Poland could fight on its own before the allies step in. Lukowski acknowledged that Poland's Armed Forces still operate a mix of modern and outdated equipment, with ammunition shortages primarily affecting older systems. He also noted that newly acquired combat vehicles and platforms are being supplied with appropriate munitions. The Polish political opposition has denounced the state of the country's defense production, claiming that Poland would have enough ammunition for only five days of war. When asked whether Poland really has only five days' worth of stocks, Lukowski said it depends on the type of equipment and munitions. Poland, which shares borders with Belarus and Russia's heavily militarized Kaliningrad exclave, sits on NATO's eastern flank and would likely be among the first targets in a potential NATO-Russia confrontation. The country has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, supplying tanks, heavy equipment, and ammunition. Amid growing concerns over Russia's aggressive posture, Polish President Andrzej Duda called for the U.S. to deploy nuclear weapons in Poland as a deterrent. On Jan. 15, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also urged NATO allies to increase defense spending, arguing that if all European members matched Poland's budget, NATO's military expenditures would be 10 times greater than Russia's. Tensions between NATO and Russia have risen following Moscow's all-out attack against Ukraine. Western leaders and intelligence agencies have warned of a potential large-scale war in Europe within the next five years. Read also: 'There is talk of Nord Stream' — Lavrov eyes Russia-US energy cooperation We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
