Blinken's Diplomatic Mission: Strengthening U.S.-Poland Defense Ties Amid Ukraine Conflict

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to meet senior Polish officials to discuss support for Ukraine and deepening defense cooperation with Warsaw. This follows his visit to Kyiv, where Ukrainian leaders pushed for extended missile capabilities. Discussions will also include the security of Poland’s eastern flank, energy cooperation, and defense spending.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is slated to meet high-ranking Polish government officials on Thursday in an effort to bolster support for Ukraine and solidify defense cooperation between the U.S. and Poland.

Blinken's visit to Poland follows his trip to Kyiv, where Ukrainian officials appealed for permission to fire Western-supplied missiles into Russian territory. In Warsaw, Blinken will confer with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, President Andrzej Duda, and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, as confirmed by their respective offices.

With Ukrainian forces struggling against a better-armed Russian military, the meeting will also address the security of Poland's eastern flank amid Russia's ongoing aggression. Poland, which has significantly increased its defense spending, is looking to further strengthen its borders with Belarus and Russia. Energy cooperation, including plans for Poland's first nuclear power plant, will also be on the agenda.

(With inputs from agencies.)