Polish opposition politician criticizes Prime Minister Tusk for not engaging with Trump after the U.S. president claimed NATO allies avoided front lines in Afghanistan.
Polish Opposition Criticizes Tusk
TVN24 reporter Radomir Wit asked PiS MP and former Deputy National Defense Minister Bartosz Kownacki about his thoughts on Donald Trump’s comments regarding NATO allies and their participation in the Afghanistan operation. The politician criticized Donald Tusk in response.
“I am outraged that the head of the Polish government is not in Davos, not talking to Donald Trump, but is skiing,” Kownacki stated. “And indeed, when Donald Trump sees such a ‘leader’ in Poland, he may say that unfortunately he does not respect such allies.”
Polish Military Missions
Kownacki noted that the Polish military was engaged in missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. “We were supposed to build our political position on this, unfortunately we did not utilize this,” he added. Kownacki also said that “many more Americans died” in Afghanistan than citizens of other NATO countries.
Trump’s Comments on NATO
On Thursday, January 22, Donald Trump stated in an interview with Fox News that Americans “never needed” NATO allies. “They will say they sent troops to Afghanistan. And indeed they did, but they stayed somewhat in the back, away from the front line,” he said.
Afghanistan Casualties
During the war in Afghanistan, approximately 3,000 NATO soldiers died, with over 2,400 being U.S. citizens. The Polish Military contingent operated in Afghanistan from 2002-2021. During this mission, 44 Polish soldiers died.
Polish Defense Minister Responds
Poland’s Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz commented on Trump’s statement. “Poland has always been, is and will be a responsible and reliable ally that, when security is threatened, stands in its defense. The Polish Military stood shoulder to shoulder with allies, among others in missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is present today in missions and operations conducted by NATO. Tragic moments when our soldiers died showed that in defending international security, Poland’s security, we are ready to pay the highest price. This sacrifice will never be forgotten and cannot be diminished. Poland is a credible and proven ally and nothing will change that,” wrote the head of MON on X.