Polish presidential palace criticizes Foreign Minister Sikorski for using soldiers’ service for political purposes amid Trump’s NATO comments.
Trump Questions NATO Allies’ Support
US President Donald Trump stated in an interview with Fox News that he is unsure if NATO members would help Americans if they “ever needed it.” He added, “We never needed them. They’ll say they sent troops to Afghanistan… and they did, staying somewhat behind, somewhat outside the front line.” The remark drew criticism, including from British politicians.
Kosiniak-Kamysz Defends Poland’s Military Record
“Poland has always been, is, and will be a responsible and reliable ally that stands in defense when security is threatened,” stated Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. “Polish army shoulder to shoulder with allies participated in missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is today present in missions and operations conducted by NATO.” He added, “Tragic moments when our soldiers died showed that in defending international security, we are ready to pay the highest price. This sacrifice will never be forgotten and cannot be diminished.”
Sikorski on Polish Soldiers in Afghanistan
“I know Afghanistan from my youth. I was there also as Minister of National Defense and Foreign Minister,” commented Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. “Ghazni province, where our contingent served, on the southern Pushtun, was front-line, 7/10 on the Afghan scale of difficulty and danger. No one should make fun of our soldiers’ service.” In an earlier post, he stated that “the commander-in-chief of the armed forces will certainly defend the honor of our soldiers.”
Presidential Palace Criticizes Sikorski
On Sikorski’s comments, presidential spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz reacted in a conversation with PAP. “Karol Nawrocki as commander-in-chief has always stood, stands and will stand on the side of the Polish soldier. Using Polish soldiers for current political fighting by Minister Radosław Sikorski is evidence of an exceptional lack of feeling. Such behavior is not befitting a person holding a key position in Donald Tusk’s government,” evaluated Leśkiewicz.
Polish Military Sacrifices in Afghanistan
“Poland’s involvement in operations in Afghanistan dates back to 2002, when after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, carried out by Al-Qaeda based in Afghanistan, Polish authorities decided to join the US-led international coalition against global terrorism,” states the Polish Military. Polish soldiers initially dealt with mine clearance, securing logistic convoys, and later ensuring stability in Afghanistan. “During the mission in Afghanistan, 43 Polish soldiers and one military civilian employee died or died,” adds the Polish Military.
