Poland will remain a loyal ally of the United States, but it cannot afford to be a “sucker,” Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski told parliament on Thursday.

His remarks come as Europe reassesses its security posture amid evolving US foreign policy and continued threats from Russia.

Addressing lawmakers, Radoslaw Sikorski reaffirmed that the US remains Poland’s most important military partner.

“We have been and will continue to be a loyal ally of America,” he said. “But we cannot be suckers.”

Sikorski noted that Warsaw views recent changes in US policy “with understanding, but also concern.”

Balancing transatlantic ties

The comments highlight the careful balancing act faced by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his pro-European Union government.

While maintaining strong transatlantic ties is seen as crucial to Poland’s national security, the administration must also navigate uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump and his shifting approach to European security.

In contrast, Poland’s nationalist opposition and President Karol Nawrocki have adopted a more openly pro-MAGA stance.

Call for greater European responsibility

Sikorski urged European nations to take more responsibility for their own defence and strengthen unity across the continent.

“The threat to the sovereignty and security of the Republic of Poland comes from one direction – from the East, not the West,” he said. “The hour has struck for Europe. Either we stand united, or we will be consumed by greater powers.”

Highlighting the financial stakes, Sikorski warned that defending NATO’s eastern flank against potential Russian aggression would cost at least €1.2 trillion ($1.4 trillion).

He noted that this figure is 24 times larger than Poland’s current defence budget. By comparison, the financial and military aid currently being provided to Ukraine is far lower than the potential cost of a full-scale war between Russia and the Atlantic alliance.

Across Poland’s political spectrum, the United States is widely regarded as the primary guarantor of national security.

However, members of Tusk’s government have been more critical of Trump’s policies, while the nationalist opposition maintains stronger support for his leadership.