Poland's foreign minister has risked causing controversy by making the claim about NATO soldiers. Meanwhile, a group of Russian warships has arrived in Iran to practice 'ensuring regional security' and the Belarusian military has said it is checking its 'combat readiness'.
Poland's president has called on NATO members to raise their spending on defence to 3% of their gross domestic product as Russia puts its economy on a war footing. His appeal came on the eve of his visit to the White House, where Joe Biden will receive him and Polish prime minister Donald Tusk.
In 2014 NATO members agreed to boost their defence spending to 2% of GDP after Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula that year, but most members still fall short of that aim. Poland, however, spends 4% of its GDP on defence, making it the member that devotes the most in percentage terms. President Duda said that puts Poland and the United States, which also spends more than 3%, in a position to 'lead by example and provide an inspiration for others.