"Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Tuesday described the war in Ukraine as part of a broader “civilizational war with the West”, turning his focus to European security and the potential for a bigger US presence in Poland, as the neighbouring Russia-Ukraine conflict enters its fifth year. Speaking in Warsaw after consultations with the United States, Nawrocki said the Kremlin continues to view Poland and the North Atlantic Alliance as its main adversaries. “It will continue to intimidate the countries of the entire eastern flank. This is accompanied by a high level of hybrid activities and influence operations throughout Europe,” Nawrocki said. He argued that the war against Ukraine marks a return to imperial policies and warned that even a reduction in fighting would not end the danger. Instead, he predicted that, “Russia will become even more revisionist, seemingly weakened, but in reality, unfortunately, still ready for war.” Nawrocki also pointed to a shifting global landscape, saying Russia is deepening cooperation with China as part of a wider bloc challenging the Western-led international order. A central theme of his address was Europe’s security responsibilities and changing expectations in Washington. Following agreements last year with President Donald Trump and further diplomatic talks, Nawrocki declared that “the era of cheap security guaranteed solely by the United States has ended.” He stressed that the US now expects European allies to shoulder more of the burden of collective defence, arguing this is not simply a concession to Washington but a necessity for Europeans “most exposed to insatiable Russian imperialism.” To meet these challenges, he outlined a dual approach: strengthening the European pillar within NATO while deepening Poland’s strategic partnership with the US, noting, “We will consistently strive for Europe's defence readiness to acquire the attributes of reality and feasibility.” To do this, he says, the US plays a key role. “Today's security situation indicates that it is necessary to consider increasing the presence of United States forces in Poland. I see that there is still room for expanding military cooperation,” the president noted. Nawrocki’s address comes as his administration, which took office in August 2025, seeks to leverage its close alignment with the Trump presidency to solidify Poland’s role as the primary US military anchor in Europe by expanding permanent infrastructure, such as the ‘Fort Trump’ logistics hub."