Polish Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz wants a greater U.S. military in country to help deal with its security needs.
On Wednesday the new prime minister said that officials should make “every effort to obtain a greater U.S. military presence in Poland,” The Associated Press reported. Her remarks came in conjunction with a 259-183 vote by Parliament to grant her government a vote of confidence for their one-year mission. There were seven abstentions.
Ms. Kopacz came to power when Poland’s former prime minister, Donald Tusk, resigned to take a European Union job. Although her team is composed of the same allies as her predecessor, Wednesday’s comments suggest that she may temper Poland’s rhetoric in response to Russian aggression.
“We support the pro-European direction in Ukraine’s development, but we cannot step in for the Ukrainians, who have the responsibility to change their own country,” she said, AP reported. She added that Poland should take a “pragmatic” approach to the Ukraine crisis.
Russia officially annexed Crimea from Ukraine in March, and since then pro-Russia rebels have attempted to carve out their own territory in eastern Ukraine.
On Wednesday, pro-Russia rebels threatened to seize a government-held airport in Donetsk, AP reported. The military conflict, which has already claimed 3,500 lives, took place despite a cease-fire announced Sept. 5.
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“All parties should redouble their efforts to find a diplomatic solution,” Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the U.N. secretary-general said Wednesday, AP reported.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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