Polish President Karol Nawrocki has positioned former U.S. President Donald Trump as the singular global figure capable of countering Russian aggression toward Europe. In a comprehensive interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, President Nawrocki articulated that Vladimir Putin remains an untrustworthy actor, necessitating unified European support for Trump’s initiatives to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
President Nawrocki, a longstanding advocate of Trump, emphasized that Russia’s escalating threats against Poland and broader Eastern Europe require decisive American leadership. He referenced a significant September incident where over 20 Russian drones breached Polish airspace from Belarus and Ukraine—marking an unprecedented attack on a NATO member state. This event, described by Nawrocki as ‘an extraordinary situation,’ demonstrated Russia’s intent to test both Polish defenses and NATO’s collective solidarity.
The Polish leader acknowledged Britain’s strategic support, including the deployment of RAF Typhoon jets to reinforce Poland’s borders. He revealed that Poland has been engaged in a hybrid war with Russia since 2021, combating both aerial incursions and disinformation campaigns. This ‘grey zone’ warfare, according to Nawrocki, underscores the dangerously volatile security environment.
Addressing concerns over Trump’s controversial statements regarding Greenland’s acquisition, President Nawrocki maintained that the United States remains Europe’s essential security guarantor despite diplomatic friction. He warned against European detachment from American partnership, stressing that such divergence would undermine both economic and military security for EU members.
President Nawrocki further criticized European leadership for prioritizing ideological policies—such as climate agreements and migration debates—over critical security investments. Noting Poland’s commitment to allocating nearly 5% of GDP to defense, he contrasted this with what he perceives as inadequate preparedness elsewhere in Europe.
The Polish president concluded with warm remarks toward the United Kingdom, highlighting the significance of bilateral relations and the community of approximately one million Poles residing in Britain. He expressed particular gratitude for British military contributions to NATO’s eastern flank and voiced hope for Poland’s inclusion in the upcoming G20 summit hosted by the UK.