In an interview published Sunday by the Czech weekly Respekt, Sikorski described the new U.S. national security strategy as largely realistic, particularly in its focus on geography, resources, and defense, though he said it includes “a few ideological and controversial elements.”
Sikorski rejected the notion that the U.S. would abandon its global military footprint, noting that American forces remain active around the world. “The U.S. won’t close 100 military bases and withdraw its soldiers back home,” he said. “They simply believe Europe is rich enough to defend itself, with limited American support.”
He emphasized Poland’s commitment to defense, pointing out the country has spent 2% of GDP on defense for two decades and is now nearing 5%. “Compared to Trump’s first term, Europe’s defense spending has doubled,” he added.
Asked about reports of a classified section in the U.S. document suggesting a push for countries like Poland to leave the EU, Sikorski declined to comment, calling it “speculation.”
However, he stressed that leaving the EU would be “a disaster” for Poland. “Our goal is to be a good U.S. ally and a strong EU member.”
On Russia, Sikorski said he does not believe President Vladimir Putin would risk war with NATO after Ukraine, estimating that Russia’s army may have lost up to a million soldiers. “Still, we are rearming more than ever before,” he said.
Turning to Hungary, Sikorski was critical of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s stance on Russia and cheap energy, calling his political trajectory disappointing.
“My alma mater, Oxford University, where Orban studied on a Soros scholarship, is not proud of his path — I know it isn’t,” he said.
He also rejected Hungary and Slovakia’s arguments for buying Russian resources, saying southern Europe can provide enough gas and oil at competitive prices with long-term contracts.
(jh)
Source: Polskie Radio