“Trump's attitude to Ukraine caused consternation in Polanda country where America was as liked as in no other. The attitude (Poles) changes at a dizzying pace, and The effects will be far -reaching. Poland is worried about NATO's ability as a whole for scaring, “writes Philipp Fritz on Sunday at” Welt am Sonntag “.
According to the German journalist, Polish society has been so far The most pro -American in Europeand its inhabitants had “almost romantic feelings” for the USA.
Something cracked in Poland-USA
Since humiliation Wołdymyra Zelanski Through Trump in the White House, “something broke” not only in relations between Ukraine and the USA, but also in Polish-American relations. “The trust of Poles in the US as an ally shrinks,” said Fritz. The suspension of the supply of weapons and intelligence information to Ukraine was a shock for Poles.
The author reminded that Poland is the largest importer of American military equipment. “Could Trump in the case of war try to remotely limit the use of military equipment of the Polish army? And what does this mean for Poland's ability to deter Russia?” – writes Fritz, stipulating that a few weeks ago such questions would not have come to most Poles.
Fritz referred to Polemics between Elon Musk and Radosław Sikorski. In his opinion, the “Polish soul” led “to a boil” entry of the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the US Marco Rubiowho called on the Polish minister to thank. Many Poles considered this arrogance. The survey for the Rzeczpospolita newspaper shows that only 32.7 percent respondents consider America to be a credible partner.
Anxiety in Polish-American relations
“It seems that Trump's administration has done in just a few weeks something that has always been in the interest of Moscow: Singing anxiety in Polish-American relations” – assessed the journalist” Welt am Sonntag “.
According to Fritz, Polish diplomats in dealing with him repeatedly showed the irritation of Washington's attitude and wondered if France propagating “strategic autonomy” was wrong. In Polish conditions, these are “almost revolutionary statements”- said Fritz, adding that so far Poland has consistently rejected the ideas of greater independence from America.
Polish dilemma: more USA or more Europe?
Poland is considered to be An exemplary US partner. The authorities in Warsaw spend over 4 percent GDP for defense, and the Polish army is equipped with American weapon systems: Himars launchers, F-16 and F-35, Apache and helicopters Abrams tanks.
Fritz pointed out that Trump publicly praises Poland. The Secretary of Defense did not spare the compliments to the Poles Pete Hegseth. Observers are afraid that the USA is striving to “bilaterize” allied policy in NATO. In Warsaw, praise from Washington is accepted with satisfaction, but in political circles There is a lot of concern. “What does Poland seem to the position of an exemplary US ally, if NATO loses its credibility as a whole?”
Trust in the USA and the election campaign in Poland
Fritz noted that Polish politicians do not agree on how to react to a new situation. Some of them are even more violent about the support of the USA, about American soldiers and the purchase of weapons. Others are in favor of reorientation of Polish policy And they talk about shaken trust in the USA.
According to Fritz, the loss of trust in America may affect the campaign before the presidential election in Poland. President's candidate supported by PiS Karol Nawrocki loses support. PiS is considered a party particularly close to Trump – the German journalist pointed out. Many Poles believe that Trump conducts a pro -Russian policy. For this reason, PiS loses the image of a critical party towards Russia.
According to “Welt am Sonntag”, this is what Sikorski was guided during “arousing public interest” polemics with Musk. “It is not known if Musk, who supports right -wing and far -right parties in Europe, was aware of this. This time, however, he indirectly gave assistance to the election liberal,” writes Fritz.
Jacek Lepiarz, Polish editorial office Deutsche Welle