UK and Poland sign defence pact citing Russian aggression threat

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have signed a new defence pact between the United Kingdom and Poland. Starmer stated that European allies face no greater challenge than Russian aggression.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to London on Tuesday, where the two leaders signed a landmark defence partnership agreement. Starmer underscored the significance of the deal by pointing directly to the threat posed by Russian aggression, calling it the single greatest challenge facing European allies today.

The pact deepens security cooperation between the two countries at a time when both NATO members have been among the most vocal supporters of Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Poland, which shares a border with Ukraine and Belarus, has been rapidly expanding its military capabilities and defence spending in recent years.

Starmer's remarks reflect a broader shift in British foreign policy since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with London placing European security at the centre of its diplomatic agenda. The new agreement with Warsaw is seen as part of efforts to strengthen the transatlantic alliance's eastern flank ahead of potential further escalation.