Polish General Roman Polko sharply criticized Donald Trump’s remarks about European veterans, calling them “cowardly cynicism” from someone who never served on the front line.
Respect for Fallen Veterans
General Roman Polko expressed immense respect for veterans, families of those who fell, and those who face health issues from their service, referring to Trump’s comments that struck at European U.S. allies.
The TVN24 conversation addressed Donald Trump’s remarks, with journalist Bartłomiej Ślak noting that 44 Poles died in Afghanistan and 28 in Iraq.
Trump’s Military Service Record
“First and foremost, enormous respect for veterans, for the families of those who perished, but also for those who had more military luck and for the wounded, still struggling with health loss,” said General Roman Polko.
The former GROM commander didn’t hide his emotions when directly addressing the U.S. president. “Dear veterans, it won’t offend you that a man who dodged military service due to bone spurs in his heels did so. Donald Trump is the first president to avoid military service,” he recalled.
Mission Preparations and Sacrifice
Polko recalled personal memories from special missions, noting the scale of risk involved. “I remember GROM soldiers writing wills before their first operation. They counted on the possibility of losing their lives or health,” he said.
He also remembered conversations with American commanders. “General Ricardo Sanchez thanked us for what we did. We were on the front line,” he emphasized.
All Soldiers Are Equally Important
The former GROM commander pointed out that military missions involve more than combat operations. “Doctors, logistics specialists, soldiers in the second line are no less important. They often went to the front line to save others or deliver what was needed,” he said.
Trump Crossed a “Red Line”
In General Polko’s opinion, this time it’s not about political rhetoric. “In this matter, President Trump crossed a red line. You cannot destroy achievements built over years,” he evaluated. “We Polish veterans will also protest against this,” he announced.
“Pure Cynicism”
When asked if Trump might simply not know the facts, the general answered unequivocally. “This is pure cynicism. The cynicism of a coward who was never on the front line himself,” he stated. He compared the U.S. president to Vladimir Putin. “This reminds me of Putin, who wages wars but never approached the front line. Meanwhile, Trump wants a Nobel Peace Prize,” he added.
Polish Soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq
To conclude the conversation, General Polko recalled specific actions of Polish soldiers. “In Afghanistan, of course on the front line, supporting peacekeeping, risking their own lives and health so that people would not be terrorized by Al-Qaeda,” he said. “In Iraq, these were direct operations against terrorists. I participated in an operation where my soldiers were being shot at,” he recounted.
He also emphasized that GROM soldiers often risked their lives to protect civilians, following the principle that “in uncertain situations, we risk our own lives rather than shoot blindly.”