NATO Ally’s Leader Calls to Expand Troop Presence on Russian Border

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk signaled on Thursday that he will be expanding what he calls his “East Shield,” a large-scale military initiative aimed at strengthening Poland’s border with Russia—part of NATO‘s eastern flank.

Newsweek has contacted Russia’s Foreign Ministry for comment by email.

Why It Matters

NATO member states have been sounding the alarm about Europe’s collective security amid Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Many officials have warned that Moscow could retaliate against nations supporting Kyiv, and NATO nations are actively exploring strategies to deter President Vladimir Putin from future aggression.

What We Know

Speaking in Brussels at a special meeting of the European Council, Tusk said other European nations want to join his “East Shield” military project, and expand troop presence on the Russian border.

“Finland, the Baltic States, and Romania want to join this effort to protect Europe’s eastern border, including with EU funds,” Tusk was cited as saying by the Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland, on X, formerly Twitter.

Poland’s government and military launched the Eastern Shield project late last year, aiming to fortify approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) of its borders with Russia and Belarus. It costs over $2.5 billion and has been described by Warsaw as “the largest operation to strengthen Poland’s eastern border, NATO’s eastern flank, since 1945.”

Poland has borders with the isolated Russian territory of Kaliningrad to the north, which is sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania, and with Russian ally Belarus to the east.

“Today could mark a turning point for Europe’s resolve on armament, the defense industry, and readiness to face the challenge posed by Russia,” said Tusk.

The Polish leader also said Europe, as a whole, “can win any confrontation against Russia” be it “financial, economic, or military.”

“We are stronger, we just needed to believe it. And today, we do,” said Tusk.

What People Are Saying

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said at a special meeting of the European Council in Brussels on Thursday: “I am convinced that Russia will lose [an arms race with Europe], just as the Soviet Union lost a similar race.”

Tusk said on X on Thursday: “The war, the geopolitical uncertainty and the new arms race started by Putin have left Europe with no choice. Europe must be ready for this race, and Russia will lose it like the Soviet Union 40 years ago. From today, Europe will arm itself more wisely and faster than Russia.”

What Happens Next

Concerns over Europe’s collective security are expected to intensify as Russia and the U.S. engage in negotiations aimed at potentially ending the war in Ukraine.