Poland's security environment has changed, MoD says

The security environment around Poland has changed due to Russia's increasingly assertive stance, the Polish minister of defence has said.

Nato defence ministers arrived in Brussels for a two-day meeting on Wednesday to discuss the current challenges to the bloc in the face of Russia's escalation of tensions on its border with Ukraine.

"We must get used to the fact that the security environment around our country has changed," Mariusz Błaszczak told a press briefing in Brussels.

"We have to be aware that even if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not attack (Ukraine - PAP), he will not give up his aggressive policy, which is evidenced by his subsequent moves," Błaszczak said.

"So we must build further deterrence capabilities," he added.

According to Błaszczak, all Nato member states share similar views on the threats around Ukraine.

"A strong declaration of unity... and solidarity with Ukraine and readiness to increase engagement on Nato's eastern flank, of course, in line with the developments, is the message that has been shared by all participants in today's meeting," the Polish minister said.

Russia has massed more than 100,000 troops near its border with Ukraine and has demanded concessions from Nato, including assurances that the bloc will not accept any new eastern members. Moscow and Minsk have also started joint military manoeuvres that are being closely watched by Nato.

Nato and the United States accused Russia on Wednesday of increasing its military presence around Ukraine despite Moscow's claims to the contrary.