Poland’s outgoing President Andrzej Duda is wrapping up his decade-long presidency with a clear message: he believes Donald Trump holds the key to peace in Ukraine. In a recent interview at the presidential palace in Warsaw, Duda expressed his unwavering support for Trump, emphasizing that the U.S. leader’s approach to negotiations is crucial for resolving the ongoing conflict.
Duda, who has been in office during both of Trump’s terms, described Trump’s tariff strategy as "shock therapy." He sees it as a bold negotiating tactic, reflecting Trump’s success in business now applied to politics. Duda acknowledged that this style might be unfamiliar to European leaders, but he insists that Trump is accountable to American taxpayers rather than European allies. He urged European nations to remain calm and adapt to this new way of dealing with transatlantic relations.
When discussing Trump’s ability to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Duda expressed confidence in Trump’s understanding of the Russian leader. He refrained from commenting on the skills of Trump’s chief negotiator, Steve Witkoff, who recently traveled to Moscow for talks with Putin. Duda highlighted Trump’s previous actions, such as halting the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and countering Putin’s energy strategies, as signs of effective leadership.
Duda believes that with European leaders struggling to negotiate peace through existing frameworks, the responsibility now lies with Trump. He stated, "If anyone is able to force the end of Russia’s war, it is most likely only the President of the United States." He stressed the importance of achieving a fair and lasting peace, especially for European nations neighboring Ukraine.
As Duda’s presidency nears its end, he faces the challenge of ensuring Poland’s security amidst changing dynamics. The country is preparing for a presidential election in May, and Duda’s legacy is closely tied to his relationship with Trump. He noted that Poland has been a model of defense spending, committing 4.7% of its GDP for 2025, which is higher than any other NATO member.
Recently, Duda addressed concerns about the U.S. withdrawal from the Jasionka air base, a vital logistics hub for support to Ukraine. He reassured that he had been informed of the planned changes and emphasized discussions with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding strengthening American military presence in Poland. Duda expressed hope for the establishment of a significant U.S. military base there, previously dubbed "Fort Trump."
As Duda concludes his time in office, he remains focused on security issues, which he believes are paramount for Poland. He contrasts Poland’s situation with that of Canadian conservatives, who have struggled following Trump’s tough economic policies. Duda feels that security concerns dominate the political landscape in Poland, making it less vulnerable to the same challenges faced by Canada’s conservative party.