In early December, a Polish military delegation was barred from the Pentagon after a U.S. senior officer informed Poland’s defense attaché that he would not be allowed to attend, a move the Poles deem a “total compromise.”
Visit to Washington Planned
Polish defense attaché Gen. Krzysztof Nolbert had organized a week‑long visit to Washington, with talks scheduled with key U.S. officials, including at the Pentagon. He had been in the post since 2021 and brings experience from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Protocol Breach at the Pentagon
Just before the Pentagon meeting, Gen. Adam Rzeczkowski personally informed Nolbert that he would not be permitted to attend. Because the delegation lacked an attaché, the Americans excluded them, leading to an immediate dismissal.
Polish Denouncement
Poland’s Defense Ministry described the decision as a “total compromising” act and raised doubts about Nolbert’s reliability. Journalists report that the incident has intensified internal tensions within the National Security Bureau and blocked progress on a new National Security Strategy.
Domestic Disputes within BBN
Informants say that after the return to Poland, Gen. Rzeczkowski faced scrutiny for the scandalous effects of the decision. Officers in the President’s Office indicated that the delegation’s composition was solely the responsibility of BBN.
Official Reactions
Prime Minister’s chief of staff Jan Grabiec condemned the U.S. action on X, while Vice‑Prime Minister said the event crossed a line of insolence. Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz called the move an insult and vowed it not be repeated.