What would the U.S. do if Russia attacks Poland again?
Poland has activated Article 4 of the NATO alliance treaty after it shot down multiple Russian drones that invaded Polish airspace.
Things are heating up once again on the eastern flank of NATO after 19 drones from a massive Russian strike targeted at Ukraine invaded Polish airspace. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Polish and NATO defense forces neutralized the threat the Russian drones posed to his nation.
After the incident, Tusk formally invoked Article 4 of the 32-country alliance citing threats to Poland’s national security. “We are dealing with a large-scale provocation,” the Polish PM said. "We are ready to repel such provocations. The situation is serious, and no one doubts that we must prepare for various scenarios."
Trump’s stance on US mutual defense guarantees with NATO
Article 4 of NATO covers the mechanism in which the member nations meet in reaction to a request from one of the signatory countries. However, more important to the mutual defense pact between NATO members is Article 5, which requires signatories to come to the defense of any other nation in NATO that is attacked.
In recent years though, there have been doubts about whether the United States would fulfil its mutual defense guarantees to the alliance.
As a candidate in 2016 and during his first term in the White House, Trump suggested that America’s commitment would depend on allies paying enough for their own defense. He carried that same mentality into his second term.
“It’s common sense, right. If they don’t pay, I’m not going to defend them. No, I’m not going to defend them,” Trump said from the Oval Office in March.
He caused more concern when he said in June of his commitment to NATO’s collective security guarantee on his way to this year’s summit in The Hague, “depends on your definition.”
“There’s numerous definitions of Article 5. You know that, right?” he continued, adding, “I’m committed to being their friends,” “saving lives,” “life and safety.”
However, after the summit wrapped up, he had changed his stance and he along with NATO counterparts emphasized each nation’s “ironclad commitment” to upholding mutual defense guarantees.
“They want to protect their country, and they need the United States, and without the United States, it’s not going to be the same,” Trump said at the time.
“I left there saying that these people really love their countries,” he added. “It’s not a rip off. And we’re here to help them protect their country.”
US has beefed up presence in Europe
Prior to Russia invading Ukraine the US and other NATO members began deploying forces to countries on the eastern flank of the alliance. In response to the invasion, for the first time in history, NATO deployed its elite response force as part of a collective-defensive mission.
The Pentagon also repositioned thousands of troops stationed abroad to other European countries, bringing the total to more than 80,000 US service members across Europe. Despite talk in the Defense Department of scaling back some of the US presence, no moves have been made to draw down US forces in Europe.
The show of force and alliance unity is supposed to deter the Kremlin from targeting countries that are working to resupply Ukraine with weapons in their fight against the Russian invaders.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment