Former Polish ambassador Jan Piekło denounced the country’s absence from the upcoming Trump‑Zelenski gathering as a severe diplomatic failure, criticizing the Foreign Ministry, Donald Tusk and Sikorski for their withdrawal.
Former Ambassador on Polish Delegation’s Absence in the USA: Disappointing
Poland is set to miss the meeting between President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as European leaders, scheduled for Monday, August 18. Former Polish Ambassador to Ukraine, Jan Piekło, calls this omission a blunder. “It is disappointing that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Donald Tusk, and Minister Sikorski have backed out,” Piekło said in an interview with Gazeta.pl. He recalled the Prime Minister’s earlier claim that “nobody in the European Union will stand them down,” emphasizing Poland’s important role. “And what now?” the expert rhetorically asked. “Responsibility for sending a delegation falls on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he added.
The government’s spokesperson highlighted that the decision with the Ministry. However, the Foreign Ministry issued a confusing statement through its Deputy Minister, Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski, suggesting that Poland is a small country that does not count. Piekło described such remarks as a disastrous statement.
Vice Foreign Minister on Poland’s “Size”
Bartoszewski appeared on Polsat News and noted that President Trump apparently did not invite Karol Nawrocki. When asked why Donald Tusk did not travel to Washington, he responded that U.S. Presidents typically speak to Presidents rather than Prime Ministers, adding that the exception is made for the largest states such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy, as well as Israel and India. “Poland is a mid‑sized country. We do not have the international prominence of Germany or the United Kingdom,” he said, further noting that the President of Finland has become friendly with President Trump.
Karol Nawrocki Will Speak With Donald Trump
The former Polish ambassador remarked that Karol Nawrocki is scheduled to make a visit to the White House on September 3. “So it is not that we were overlooked,” the expert said. A spokesperson for the President, Rafał Leśkiewicz, also echoed this sentiment. “The President prioritises the September 3 visit, during which Poland’s security interests and the regional situation, especially the Ukraine conflict, will be key topics of discussion,” the spokesperson told PAP. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified: “We understand that the September 3 visit is the President’s priority. It will likely address Ukraine and other issues vital to Polish security. The Ministry and the government will provide full support. In Poland, there cannot be two foreign policy leaders.”
Additional information on this topic can be found in the article: “Will Nawrocki Not Travel to the U.S. for the Zelensky‑Trump Meeting? Media Question the ‘Diplomatic Failure.’”
