The Polish foreign minister Radosław Sikorski appeared on a TVP Info interview where the topic moved from Donald Trump’s statements to the concrete steps and policies shaping the moment. He stressed that real progress hinges on actions on security and solid commitments to alliances, not mere words.
When asked about a potential new Russian attack, Sikorski suggested that if the threat seems unlikely, Poland could reassess the need for a large military posture and for reinforcing NATO. He highlighted a long-standing push for European mobilization and said listening has finally started. Better late than never became the framing point of the discussion.
Regarding whether German and French leaders doubt the possibility of a deal with Vladimir Putin, Sikorski bluntly answered that few still trust him and described Putin as a notorious liar.
The minister also weighed in on Donald Trump’s demand that NATO members cover their share of defense costs to retain protection. He proposed that nationalist voices who claim close ties to Trump should use those ties to support Ukraine, Poland, and the Trump faction as it shapes Ukraine aid with House leadership. Mike Johnson, the House Speaker, faced a vote on Ukraine aid, and Sikorski framed the nationalist test as a measure of their real influence.
The conversation returned to Trump’s influence on policy, with Sikorski reiterating the priority of concrete actions over rhetoric. He noted that he urged House Republicans to block the Ukraine package as part of a broader strategic posture.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate approved a substantial aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan totaling about 95 billion dollars. The bill awaits a House vote, where Republicans lead a deeply divided chamber regarding support for Ukraine. Some members aligned with Trump oppose the package, potentially complicating passage before the next election cycle.
Germany owes Poland a moral debt
Sikorski argued that Germany bears a moral obligation to Poland and that this duty should translate into tangible steps. He pointed to eight years of inaction by Poland’s ruling party as a reason for a strong German response that would restore historical trust and address lingering feelings of guilt. He suggested that reparations or compensation should be part of concrete cooperation and reconciliation between the two nations.
During the discussion, Sikorski recalled the Potsdam era reparations, noting that Poland seeks acknowledgment and material expression of responsibility for wartime losses. He questioned why Polish officials have not pressed Russia, as the successor state to the Soviet Union, for reparations and stressed that the absence of the reparations term in official notes signals a missed opportunity for a clear stance. The topic resurfaced when a 2022 diplomatic note from Poland acknowledged losses and called for compensation, while the German government indicated that reparations discussions would not resume. A later Berlin visit saw Prime Minister Donald Tusk respond to questions about reparations, stating that the matter had been closed in formal and international terms.
Tusk underscored a willingness to work with Chancellor Olaf Scholz to explore cooperative avenues that address past harms without straining current relations. Sikorski supported this stance, noting that the dialogue can stay constructive rather than create friction.
Poland’s leadership, including PiS President Jarosław Kaczyński, kept the reparations issue central to national interests and dignity, emphasizing that compensation goes beyond money and touches on historical memory.
European defense and strategic autonomy
Sikorski expressed support for a European defense framework aligned with the United States. He argued that this approach would bolster national forces rather than replace them and avoided the term Army to describe a broader, more integrated European defense posture. He spoke of a European defense and the formation of a capable brigade, likening it to a legion in spirit.
He called for a larger European defense budget, pointing to a fund that originated after Brexit. Although a bigger share was not fully utilized, he proposed bolder spending to finance acquisitions and strengthen European capabilities alongside national forces.
When questioned about fears that European defense efforts could push the United States out of Europe, Sikorski dismissed the notion as unfounded. He cited continued American support for stronger European defense and recalled his discussions with the Pentagon, where officials signaled a need for readiness in case the U.S. must focus elsewhere.
In his view, European defense should evolve while staying aligned with the United States. The aim is to enable Europe to act decisively when NATO or U.S. intervention is unlikely or unavailable.
The Chad operation and the fate of a Polish doctor
Sikorski commented on the release of a Polish doctor abducted in Chad, praising the Chadian army and police for a swift and effective operation that neutralized the captors. He stated there was no ransom paid and thanked Chadian authorities and French partners for their actions. The relief was shared with the doctor’s family, and the minister confirmed the safe return of the individual involved.
The incident had been reported by AFP via the Saint-Michel hospital in Dono Manga, in the Dono Manga district southeast of N’Djamena. Officials later confirmed that the attackers had posed as patients and that the rescue occurred with ongoing coordination among Polish authorities and international partners.
The ministry announced that the involved security services remained in contact with the doctor’s family and that further efforts would continue to ensure safety and well-being. Coverage of the event by wPolityce was noted in subsequent updates, but no additional public details were released beyond official confirmations.
In summary, the discussion reflected Poland’s broader foreign policy posture: a balance of firm defense commitments, prudent ownership of alliance obligations, and a push for a more integrated European security framework that works in concert with the United States. The exchanges underscored the importance of clear, actionable policy and the ongoing search for cooperative solutions that respect historical memory while shaping a more secure future for Poland and its partners. [Cited: TVP Info coverage; AFP report via wPolityce]