Polish President and FM head to US: Discussions to focus on Putin’s objectives in Ukraine
Photo: Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski (Getty Images)
Polish President Karol Nawrocki and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski will visit the United States on September 2–3. The Polish leader is expected, in particular, to clearly outline Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actual objectives in Ukraine, Polskie Radio informs.
According to reports, Sikorski, in his video address, spoke to Nawrocki, reminding him that both of them would be in the US in the coming days.
The Foreign Minister himself will meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, while Nawrocki will hold talks with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday.
"The Council of Ministers has established a position so that the President knows exactly what to follow in the discussions. For us, the most important thing is to determine Putin’s real strategy in Ukraine and to oppose any reductions in US military presence in Poland and Europe," Sikorski said.
The Polish Foreign Minister also noted that the President has received "extensive analytical materials" from the ministry and expressed hope for successful talks in Washington.
It is reported that Nawrocki’s visit to the US, scheduled for September 3, will be his first foreign trip as head of the Polish state. The main topics of discussions at the White House will be Poland’s military and energy security.
The Polish President also plans to emphasize that Russia and Putin "cannot be trusted."
In addition, Sikorski will hold separate meetings in the US. In Miami, together with his American counterparts, he will present the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Award and hold consultations with politicians from both the Republican and Democratic parties.
Conflict between the Foreign Ministry and the Office of the Polish President
Previously, we reported that the Office of the Polish President "leaked" instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Karol Nawrocki to the media ahead of his meeting with US President Donald Trump.
The document, among other things, outlined three issues that "require special caution":
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Avoiding commitments regarding future purchases of US weapons in light of the current analysis of the needs of the Polish Armed Forces;
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Refraining from declaring support for a US company as the executor of a nuclear power plant construction, as this would constitute interference in the bidding process;
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Avoiding raising the issue of a potential digital tax or regulation.
The leak of the letter to the media drew criticism from Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. He noted that the contents of the letter were not classified but advised Nawrocki to find among his advisers "the fool" who allowed its publication.
"Now, at least, we all know in which matters the President can represent all of Poland and in which he represents only himself," Sikorski added.
