Duda announced his proposal after meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Brussels on Thursday.
He warned that failing to strengthen the alliance’s deterrence capabilities could embolden Vladimir Putin to launch further aggression.
"One thing is absolutely certain – if the entire North Atlantic Alliance does not increase its defense spending, then unfortunately, Putin may be tempted to attack again because there will not be sufficient deterrence," Duda said.
He stressed that NATO must act quickly to rebuild its military potential, ensuring that no member country is vulnerable to attack.
Duda highlighted Poland’s critical role in the war in Ukraine, noting that the country serves as the first destination for Ukrainian refugees and a key transit route for humanitarian and military aid.
"We take daily risks as a state and as a society," he said, adding that Poland "bears the weight of the conflict on its shoulders."
He also called for an end to the war but insisted that any peace settlement must be both just and lasting.
Poland remains committed to supporting Ukraine, including potential participation in international missions.
However, Duda urged a pragmatic approach to ceasefire negotiations and postwar reconstruction.
"We need to structure the conditions for a future truce and peace agreement in a way that allows Ukraine to rebuild and maintain security and order," he said, emphasizing the importance of Euro-Atlantic cooperation.
Duda stressed the need to maintain strong transatlantic ties, expressing hope that the current deadlock in US–Ukraine relations could be resolved.
"It is of fundamental importance to maintain the bond between the United States and Europe," he said. "We hope the impasse between US and Ukrainian leaders will be overcome."
He revealed that he had repeatedly encouraged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to resume negotiations with US President Donald Trump.
"This is essential for Ukraine's survival and support in ending the war and rebuilding the country," Duda said.
When asked about the possibility of deploying Polish troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping mission, Duda dismissed the idea, saying that he did not see the need for such an operation.
However, he expressed confidence in future strategic cooperation between Ukraine and the United States once the war ends.
Duda also commented on a possible rare-earth minerals deal between the United States and Ukraine, arguing that access to Ukraine's natural resources could make the country strategically important to Washington.
"If there is a minerals deal between the United States and Ukraine, then Ukraine will become a key strategic location for the US, not only due to the extraction of raw materials but also potentially for aluminum production, metal processing and other industries," he said.
Discussing Ukraine’s future security, Duda said that while some have suggested deploying NATO or European peacekeeping forces, he believes that may not be necessary. Instead, he proposed an approach centered on political pressure and the threat of immediate retaliation against any future aggression.
If peacekeeping forces are required, Duda suggested that they might be positioned along the future border between Ukraine and Russia, ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty.
He also advocated for an international police presence, rather than military forces, to help stabilize the country during its postwar reconstruction.
"We will all have to assist in Ukraine’s rebuilding, ensuring both security and internal order," Duda said, adding that he had discussed these ideas with the NATO chief.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, polskieradio24.pl