Current:Home > ScamsUS offers Poland rare loan of $2 billion to modernize its military-LoTradeCoin
US offers Poland rare loan of $2 billion to modernize its military
View Date:2024-12-23 19:22:02
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration announced Monday that it is offering a $2 billion loan to Poland, which has been a hub for weapons going into Ukraine, to support the ally’s defense modernization.
The State Department said in a statement that Poland is a “stalwart” ally of the U.S. whose “security is vital to the collective defense” of NATO ’s eastern flank, and that such funding is reserved for Washington’s most important security partners.
The U.S. government is also providing Warsaw up to $60 million for the cost of the loan in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) which would support “urgent procurements of defense articles and services from the United States,” the State Department said. The $60 million is a loan subsidy meant to ensure that Warsaw can secure favorable terms for the loan.
Poland has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country, handing over large numbers of its own tanks, fighter jets and other equipment. It has also been a hub for most of the Western weapons going to Ukraine.
It has been undergoing a process of modernization to replace what it gave away, much of which was based on old Soviet technology, putting in orders with U.S. and South Korean defense companies.
Recently the Polish-Ukrainian relationship has seen strains due to a trade dispute centered on Ukrainian grain entering the Polish market and driving down the prices Polish farmers can get. Amid the spat Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said his country was no longer sending any more weapons to Ukraine.
The comment created some confusion. Analysts noted that Poland has already in fact given Ukraine most of what it has to give, and the statement was made ahead of a Polish election and did not mean much. But it also raised concerns that Western support for Ukraine could be weakening.
U.S. officials have sought to play down the spat, praising Poland’s role in helping Ukraine and noting that it is in Poland’s strategic interest for Ukraine to prevail against Russia.
veryGood! (9188)
Related
- Missouri prosecutor says he won’t charge Nelly after an August drug arrest
- Website offers $1,000 for a 'Pumpkin Spice Pundit' to taste-test Trader Joe's fall items
- Ultra swimmer abandons attempt to cross Lake Michigan again
- Tribal leaders push Republican Tim Sheehy to apologize for comments on Native Americans
- Reds honor Pete Rose with a 14-hour visitation at Great American Ball Park
- Can the city of Savannah fine or jail people for leaving guns in unlocked cars? A judge weighs in
- 2 students and 2 teachers were killed at a Georgia high school. Here’s what we know about them
- GameStop turns select locations into retro stores selling classic consoles
- Vegas Sphere reports revenue decline despite hosting UFC 306, Eagles residency
- Why isn't Rashee Rice suspended? What we know about Chiefs WR's legal situation
Ranking
- Teachers in 3 Massachusetts communities continue strike over pay, paid parental leave
- Man charged in death of dog breeder claims victim was killed over drug cartel
- Lady Gaga and Fiancé Michael Polansky Share Rare Insight Into Their Private World
- NFL kickoff rule and Guardian Cap could be game changers for players, fans in 2024
- Wendi McLendon-Covey talks NBC sitcom 'St. Denis Medical' and hospital humor
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sues Bexar County over voter registration outreach effort
- Lady Gaga's Jaw-Dropping Intricate Headpiece Is the Perfect Illusion
- Maryland will participate in the IRS’s online tax filing program
Recommendation
-
Veterans face challenges starting small businesses but there are plenty of resources to help
-
There's no SSI check scheduled for this month: Don't worry, it all comes down to the calendar
-
DirecTV subscribers can get a $20 credit for the Disney/ESPN blackout: How to apply
-
Video shows blue heron savoring large rat in New York's Central Park
-
4 arrested in California car insurance scam: 'Clearly a human in a bear suit'
-
WNBA playoffs: Angel Reese, Chicago Sky fighting for final postseason spot
-
Chargers QB Justin Herbert one of NFL’s best leaders? Jim Harbaugh thinks so
-
Oasis adds new concerts to comeback tour due to 'phenomenal' demand