“Putin aims to restore his empire.” In a candid exchange, Marcin Przydacz suggested that Poland’s strategic posture has shifted as Western partners influence policy towards a firmer stance. The conversation aired on Telewizja wPolska, where the interview with Dorota Łosiewicz and Bartosz Żyżyński explored the implications of distant and near-term security concerns.
Without Poland there is no safe eastern flank
A forthcoming meeting at the White House will bring together President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and President Joe Biden to mark Poland’s 25th anniversary of joining NATO. The discussion centers on reinforcing alliance unity and shaping a robust European security framework. Przydacz, a former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Head of the International Policy Office in the Polish presidential chancellery, spoke on Telewizja wPolska about the significance of this high-level engagement and its signal for regional stability.
Readers are reminded that the visit underscores ongoing cooperation between Poland and the United States, highlighting the trajectory of bilateral ties amid evolving security threats on the eastern flank.
It is in Poland’s interest to present a united front with the United States on key security issues. The region has faced persistent challenges along its eastern border for years, and a coherent Polish voice within NATO has grown in influence over the past few years. President Biden’s invitation to Poland for this NATO anniversary reflects the country’s current role on the eastern flank and in American policy. This development signals a strengthened Polish contribution to regional security.
— emphasized Przydacz.
According to him, Poland is no longer merely a consumer of security but a provider of security for the wider region. Washington’s outlook mirrors this assessment.
There can be no ‘free riding’
In a public message before departing for the United States, President Duda highlighted that Poland allocates more than 4% of GDP to defense, the highest rate within the alliance. The President argued for increasing defense spending across allied countries from 2% to 3% of GDP to sustain deterrence and modernization efforts.
Readers are shown a broader context: some allies have fallen short of the 2% guideline, a point consistently raised in policy discussions. The call is for shared responsibility—ensuring NATO and Euro-Atlantic security cannot be subsidized by a few while others gain from stability. The need for solidarity, especially from those with greater economic capacity, was a recurring theme in the remarks.
— he pointed out.
According to him, the president’s call to accelerate defense spending before the Washington summit remains a justified measure and could motivate other Western partners to increase their commitments.
Has Donald Tusk finally understood?
Przydacz referenced Donald Tusk’s remark that times of peace and quiet have passed and that the post-war era has ended, signaling a shift into a period viewed as more fragile and more prone to conflict. In the wake of recent events, a rational observer can acknowledge the risk of Putin seeking to destabilize neighboring states. Russia’s historical imperial ambitions are cited as a backdrop to policy recalibration in Central and Eastern Europe. The assessment suggests that the threat is sizable and that recent shifts in Western policy may have accelerated awareness of this reality.
Przydacz expressed hope that Tusk would draw concrete conclusions from these developments. The conversation also touched on the importance of engaging with European partners, including leaders in Berlin, to reinforce shared security priorities and ensure that strategic focus remains on credible defense and deterrence.
He added that the United States remains Poland’s most important partner and suggested that a constructive approach across both Democratic and Republican administrations would benefit bilateral relations. Emphasizing sustained engagement, Przydacz noted that maintaining good relations with U.S. leadership is in Poland’s interest.
These reflections come amid ongoing discussions about the future trajectory of Polish-American cooperation and the strategic choices facing Europe in a shifting security environment. The analysis underscores that a stable, credible alliance framework is essential for addressing potential challenges in the region.
Observers are reminded that the broader aim is a proactive, collaborative security posture—one that respects national sovereignty while strengthening the collective defense of the alliance. The exchange highlights Poland’s ongoing role in shaping a resilient, united approach to security across the Euro-Atlantic area.
Watch live coverage and updates from regional discussions and policy briefings as parties continue to assess strategic priorities and the implications for NATO and allied security commitments.
in Poland/cat
Citation: wPolityce