During a UK visit, Polish President Karol Nawrocki told BBC he doesn’t trust Putin and believes only Donald Trump can stop him.
Nawrocki for BBC: Only Trump Can Stop Putin
During his visit to the UK, President Karol Nawrocki gave an interview to the BBC’s “Today” program. He stated he does not trust Vladimir Putin but believes ending Russian aggression in Ukraine requires supporting Donald Trump, whom he said is the only one who can stop Putin from threatening Europe.
Nawrocki emphasized that the US is the guarantor of security for Europe, especially given Russia’s threats to Poland and Central and Eastern Europe. He added that Europe must invest in security and build transatlantic relations, which is why Poland spends 5% of its GDP on defense.
Russian Drones over Poland
Addressing a BBC question about Russian drones violating Polish airspace in September, Nawrocki called it a test of Polish and NATO defense. He expressed satisfaction with NATO’s solidarity, stating that Poland has been in a hybrid war with Russia since 2021, marked by attacks, border pressure, drones, and disinformation.
Regarding his criticism of the European Union, Nawrocki said Poland joined the EU “for more freedom, not restrictions.” He argued the Union has changed direction and is critical when it attempts to alter Poland’s constitutional system or dictates policies such as food choices, citing a Mercosur trade agreement as harmful to Polish agriculture.
Starmer-Nawrocki Meeting
On Tuesday, January 13, President Nawrocki discussed European security, defense industry cooperation, and Poland’s role in the G20 with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his first visit to the UK. The President noted over 100 British soldiers are stationed in Poland and thanked the UK for its solidarity after a Russian drone strike on Poland’s eastern border.
Nawrocki added that cooperation between the defense industries of both countries strengthens Poland’s defense capabilities. The conversation also covered economic relations and access for Polish food producers to the British market.