Statement by Poland’s President at the NATO Summit in Ankara
At the NATO summit held in Ankara, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stressed the need for ongoing communication between Warsaw and Kyiv, pointing to their common adversary: the Russian Federation. He argued that cooperation between neighboring countries confronting similar threats is both natural and essential.
“It seems only logical that neighboring states facing a shared enemy—the Russian Federation—should remain in dialogue, regardless of certain bilateral tensions,” Nawrocki stated.
The Polish leader emphasized that Russia has historically been and continues to pose the primary danger to Poland and the broader Central and Eastern European region.
“The summit must make clear that the Russian Federation is and will remain a threat to the North Atlantic Alliance,” he underscored.Nawrocki also mentioned having a brief conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before the summit, highlighting the importance of supporting Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia.
Poland’s Next Steps and Regional Security
In his address, Nawrocki confirmed that Poland will keep reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank and advocates for the continued presence of U.S. troops on Polish soil, where roughly 10,000 American service members are currently stationed. Poland allocates nearly 5% of its gross domestic product to defense. A meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States, Donald Trump, is scheduled for July 8, where regional security matters are expected to be discussed.
“Ukraine is at war with the Russian Federation. Poland, too, has been engaged in wars and conflicts with Russia for centuries, so there is a common reference point and understanding of this situation,” Nawrocki noted, drawing attention to the historical ties between the two nations. He also expressed his intention to push for the extension of NATO pipeline infrastructure into Poland and other Central European countries—a move that underscores Warsaw’s commitment to strengthening the region’s energy security.
Nawrocki’s remarks highlight the strategic significance of Polish-Ukrainian cooperation for security in Central and Eastern Europe. Warsaw’s stance on backing Ukraine and countering Russian aggression could shape future NATO decisions and international policy in the area. At the same time, the focus on energy security reflects Poland’s ambition to play an active role in shaping Europe’s energy strategy, a crucial step toward reducing reliance on Russian resources.
As Poland navigates its complex relationship with Ukraine, recent developments, such as the stripping of Zelenskyy’s honors by Poland, highlight the tensions that can arise even amid shared challenges. This incident underscores the delicate balance both nations must maintain as they confront the ongoing threat from Russia and seek to strengthen their cooperation for regional stability.