Poland's president has declared that Donald Trump is the only world leader capable of stopping Vladimir Putin from menacing the whole of Europe. Karol Nawrocki made the striking comments during an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Wednesday 14 January 2026.
An Unprecedented Drone Threat and a Call for Support
Mr Nawrocki's warning comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions, following a series of Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace last year. He revealed that at least 20 drones originating from Belarus and Ukraine violated Polish territory, triggering a Nato response under Operation Eastern Sentry.
He described this as an "extraordinary situation," noting that no Nato member state had previously experienced a drone attack on such a scale. Nawrocki asserted that Putin's motive was to test Polish and Nato defences, a move which led Poland to demand a no-fly zone at the time.
"Russia is still a threat for Europe," the Polish president stated. "And Donald Trump, nowadays, is only one leader who can solve this problem and we have to support him in this process." He urged European leaders to assist the Trump administration in its endeavours to end Russia's war in Ukraine.
A Historical Perspective on Russian Aggression
Drawing on Poland's long and fraught history with its eastern neighbour, Nawrocki offered a stark perspective. "We in Poland don't know a different Russia than an aggressive Russia," he said. "It's always the threat for Poland, for Europe and for Central Europe. In history, we know only the Russia that is the threat. Even nowadays in the 21st century after Russia's aggression on Ukraine."
The president, a Eurosceptic nationalist who was publicly backed by Trump during his election campaign last year, has remained a loyal ally. He visited the White House in September 2025, cementing the political bond.
UK-Poland Defence Ties and European Priorities
Nawrocki's interview coincided with a visit to Britain, where he held meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday. He expressed "very deep appreciation" for the British soldiers stationed in Poland and for the UK's deployment of RAF Typhoon jets to help fortify its borders.
A UK government statement said the leaders reflected on the strength of the bilateral relationship and agreed to deepen cooperation further, particularly on defence, security, trade, and education. They also concurred on the "importance of securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine."
When questioned about President Trump's controversial suggestion of taking over Greenland, Nawrocki sidestepped, stating it was a matter for Denmark and the US. He also critiqued broader European priorities, claiming the continent had been "involved in not so important things, in ideological issues such as green deal for instance, climate policy, migration issues."
