Polish President Karol Nawrocki has declared that U.S. President Donald Trump is the sole world leader capable of countering Russian President Vladimir Putin’s threats to Europe, urging European nations to rally behind Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine. In a BBC Radio 4 interview, Nawrocki emphasized the urgent need for a unified approach to address the security challenges posed by Russia.
Nawrocki, a known supporter of Trump, made these remarks during his visit to Britain, where he met with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. He stated that with Putin’s Russia posing a direct threat to Poland and broader Eastern Europe, Trump represents the only viable solution to de-escalate tensions and resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Polish president underscored that Europe must do everything possible to support the U.S. president in this endeavor.
Reflecting on recent security incidents, Nawrocki highlighted a mass incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace last September, which he described as an “extraordinary situation.” He noted that no NATO member had previously faced such a large-scale drone attack, interpreting it as a test of Poland’s defenses and NATO’s solidarity. This event, he argued, illustrates the hybrid warfare tactics Russia has employed since 2021, involving both physical threats and disinformation campaigns.
In response to these challenges, Nawrocki expressed gratitude to Britain for deploying RAF Typhoon jets to bolster Poland’s border security. He acknowledged the critical role of British soldiers stationed in Poland, who are responsible for NATO’s Eastern flank, and emphasized the deepening military cooperation between the two nations. This support, he said, is vital in countering Russian aggression and maintaining regional stability.
The interview also touched upon the contentious issue of Trump’s threats to annex Greenland, a move that has strained NATO alliances. Nawrocki insisted that the United States remains the guarantor of European security, despite internal disagreements, and called for the Greenland matter to be resolved through dialogue between Denmark and the U.S. within NATO frameworks. He warned against Europe detaching from the U.S., citing risks to both economic and military security.
Critiquing other European leaders, Nawrocki accused them of being distracted by ideological issues such as climate policy and migration, rather than focusing on bolstering defense capabilities. In contrast, he pointed out that Poland is allocating nearly 5% of its GDP to defense, demonstrating a commitment to resilience that he believes is lacking elsewhere in the EU. This disparity, he suggested, could undermine collective security efforts.
On bilateral relations, Nawrocki praised the strong ties between Poland and the UK, noting that approximately one million Poles reside in Britain. He expressed hope that Poland would be invited to participate in the upcoming G20 summit, hosted by the UK, as a recognition of its growing economic and strategic importance. This, he said, would further solidify the partnership between the two countries.
Overall, Nawrocki’s comments highlight a pivotal moment in European security dynamics, where reliance on U.S. leadership under Trump is seen as essential to counter Russian ambitions. His call for European unity and increased defense spending underscores the ongoing tensions within NATO and the broader geopolitical landscape, setting the stage for future diplomatic and military developments.
