Sikorski: Poland's trust in the US has fallen

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski noted in an interview with the German weekly SPIEGEL that although most Poles continue to have a positive view of the United States, confidence in American security guarantees has fallen significantly and currently stands at around 15 percent.

He recalled that after joining NATO, Poland relied mainly on the US, which invested political capital in its membership, while Europe, according to him, relied for many years on the "security dividend" provided by the Americans.

In connection with the administration of President Donald Trump, he noted that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defense. According to him, Poland is setting an example: "Last year, we spent 4.7 percent of GDP on defense. Poland now has more tanks than Germany, France, and the United Kingdom combined, and this lead will increase in the coming years."

Sikorski emphasized that since Europe is financing Ukraine's defense, it has the right to demand that its interests be taken into account in any peace settlement. He supports strengthening cooperation within the Weimar Triangle (Germany, France, Poland) and welcomes the E5 format proposal, which would include the four largest countries of the Union and the United Kingdom.

On the issue of relations with Germany, he pointed to the need for a complete historical understanding, including the construction of a memorial to Polish victims of World War II in Berlin. At the same time, he drew attention to Russian hybrid attacks in Europe, including sabotage and disinformation campaigns.

According to Sikorski, Ukraine has a right to independence, and Europe must not allow Russia to redraw borders by force.

"Since we Europeans are currently paying for its defense, we should make it clear to Ukrainians that they can count on our support for as long as they need it," he concluded.

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