Poland’s president says only Trump can stop Putin, urges European support

Polish President Karol Nawrocki asserted on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump possesses the unique leverage required to compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. During an interview with BBC Radio 4, Nawrocki, one of Trump’s most vocal European supporters, urged the continent to “do everything we can to support” Washington, emphasizing that Trump is the sole figure capable of bringing Moscow to the negotiating table.

Warning of Intensifying Russian Hybrid Threats

Nawrocki detailed what he described as a prolonged “hybrid conflict” waged by Russia against Poland since 2021, including cyberattacks, disinformation, weaponized migration via Belarus, and recent airspace violations. He highlighted the September drone incursions from Belarus and Ukraine as an “extraordinary moment” in NATO history, underscoring that the alliance had never before faced such a scale of aerial threat on member territory. “We are living in dangerous times,” he warned, stating that Russia is actively testing NATO’s resolve.

Critique of European Priorities and Defense Posture

The Polish president criticized other EU states for “detaching” from the United States and focusing on what he termed “less important” issues like climate policy and migration, rather than strengthening military readiness. He contrasted this with Poland’s decision to raise defense spending to nearly 5% of GDP—the highest in NATO after the United States—arguing that Europe has spent too long debating ideology while neglecting concrete security.

On Trump’s Greenland Remarks and Transatlantic Unity

When questioned about Trump’s controversial statements regarding acquiring Greenland, Nawrocki avoided direct criticism, suggesting the matter should be resolved privately between Denmark and the U.S. within NATO frameworks. His comments reflect a strategic alignment with Washington, prioritizing solidarity against Russia over public disputes on other transatlantic issues. Nawrocki’s stance highlights a deepening divide within Europe between those seeking closer ties with Trump’s America and those alarmed by his unilateral rhetoric.