"There is no NATO without the United States, but there is also no American power without NATO," Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
His remarks followed an interview published on Wednesday by Britain's Telegraph newspaper in which Trump said he was strongly considering pulling the United States out of NATO, describing the alliance as a "paper tiger."
Speaking during a public debate with former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in Jasionka, near the southeastern city of Rzeszów, Kosiniak-Kamysz said Trump's comments reflected "how difficult a moment we are in globally."
He added that Poland must continue strengthening its own defense capabilities while maintaining strong alliances.
"No one will defend us if we are not able to defend ourselves," he said.
At the same time, he voiced hope that tensions surrounding Trump’s remarks would ease.
"It is in our interest that tensions subside," he said, adding that the transatlantic alliance remains key to Poland’s security.
Kosiniak-Kamysz also said Europe must rapidly develop its own defense capabilities, including through EU initiatives such as the SAFE rearmament program, to become a stronger partner for the United States in military security.
He reiterated that Poland’s Patriot air defense systems would remain in the country, dismissing reports that they could be deployed to the Middle East. He said their role is to protect Poland's airspace and NATO’s eastern flank, adding that allies understand Warsaw’s position.
"Poland should continue to build transatlantic relations and strengthen Europe’s role in security, while staying focused despite shifting political rhetoric," he said.
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Source: PAP, IAR