Germany and Poland Enhance Defence Cooperation to Counter Russian Threat

Germany and Poland agreed to strengthen defence cooperation to counter Russia, focusing on a stronger NATO presence and aiding Ukraine. They plan to cooperate on military assistance, including maintaining Leopard 2 tanks, and Poland may join Berlin's European Sky Shield Initiative. German Chancellor Scholz met with Polish Prime Minister Tusk for intergovernmental consultations.

Germany and Poland agreed to discuss boosting defence cooperation to deter Russia's threat to the region, including a stronger NATO presence on the eastern flank and the coordination of Ukraine aid, in a joint action plan presented on Tuesday. "We will endeavour to ensure transatlantic political unity and an optimal military presence of the North American allies in Europe, including the eastern flank," said the plan seen by Reuters.

Both countries also said they would deepen their cooperation at the government level to provide military assistance to Ukraine, including on repairing and maintaining Leopard 2 tanks. Poland is also considering participating in Berlin's European Sky Shield Initiative, the plan said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was in Warsaw on Tuesday to meet with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and take part in intergovernmental consultations between the countries' cabinets, the first such meeting since 2018.