Just a day after Polish President Karol Nawrocki met with Donald Trump in Washington, where both leaders pledged deeper military ties and showcased U.S. fighter jets over the capital, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski sat down with Newsweek for an exclusive interview. The conversation highlighted Poland’s growing role in Europe, its defense strategy, and the challenges posed by Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Poland’s Painful Lessons from History
Poland’s past has been marked by invasions and partitions, from being divided by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939 to spending decades under Soviet influence. Today, however, the country has transformed itself into NATO’s third-largest military power after the U.S. and Turkey, spending over 4% of its GDP on defense well above NATO’s 2% guideline.
As Sikorski explains:
“Every country has an army. Either your own or a foreign one. And to our cost we have learned many times that your own is cheaper.”
Poland sees its military buildup not only as a shield against Russia but also as a way to ensure Europe no longer relies too heavily on the U.S.
Trump’s NATO Push and Poland’s Response
Sikorski acknowledged that Trump was correct in pressing European nations to increase defense spending. While some allies remain reluctant, Poland has already exceeded expectations, with defense spending projected to hit nearly 5% of GDP.
“If Europe matches the U.S. in military readiness,” Sikorski argued, “the West will be far more secure.”
The “Polish Miracle” Economy
Poland’s ability to finance this rapid military growth comes from its strong economy. Unlike many post-Soviet states, Poland avoided extreme inequality and oligarch domination by implementing careful reforms in the 1990s. It became the only EU nation to dodge the 2008 global financial crisis and continues to post strong growth.
Income levels are now set to surpass Japan’s, leading observers to call it the “Polish miracle.”
On the Frontline with Russia
Poland’s location keeps it in the direct shadow of Russia’s war on Ukraine. It borders not only Ukraine but also Belarus and Russia’s Kaliningrad region. Warsaw has already experienced spillover incidents, including missiles striking its territory in 2022.
Drawing on the lessons of World War II, Sikorski warned against repeating the mistakes of appeasement:
“We don’t want to be the Chamberlains of today. Putin must be pressured to stop murdering Ukrainians, and then negotiations can follow with Russia making concessions too.”
U.S. and Poland: Different Approaches to Putin
While Poland urges stronger sanctions and more aid to Ukraine, Trump has maintained communication with Vladimir Putin. Sikorski expressed skepticism over this approach, stressing that Poland’s 500 years of dealing with Russia has taught it hard lessons about Moscow’s intentions.
Europe’s Right-Wing Populist Surge
Beyond the battlefield, Europe faces internal shifts. Right-wing populist parties, skeptical of the EU and aid to Ukraine, are gaining ground in countries like Germany, France, and Italy. Even within Poland, political divides are evident between pro-European leaders like Donald Tusk and more nationalist figures.
Sikorski said these movements cannot be ignored:
“These radical movements rise when mainstream parties ignore real grievances. Issues like migration must be managed rationally, not dismissed.”
Poland itself has built a border barrier against Belarus, citing what it calls a “hybrid war” of forced migration. At the same time, it has welcomed over 1.5 million Ukrainians, which has boosted the economy but also strained social services.
Takeaway
Poland today is no longer the vulnerable state of the 20th century. With one of NATO’s strongest armies, a resilient economy, and a clear-eyed view of Russia, Warsaw is positioning itself as a central player in Europe’s future. Its leaders believe that by investing heavily in defense and addressing the concerns fueling populism, Poland can secure not only its own future but also help safeguard Europe as a whole.
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