Davos/ Nawrocki: Tensions around Greenland do not mean that we have forgotten about Ukraine

Tensions around Greenland do not mean that we have forgotten about Russia’s war against Ukraine, President Karol Nawrocki emphasized on Wednesday during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Nawrocki spoke in a discussion panel devoted to Europe’s defense, in which he took part, among others, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the President of Finland Alexander Stubb.

In the Polish president’s assessment, the European Union has “serious problems” with ensuring its own security independently and needs pressure from Trump. He recalled that it was Trump who, at last year’s NATO summit in The Hague, put pressure on European allies to increase defense spending.

Nawrocki stressed that the United States is Poland’s most important ally, emphasizing the importance of that country for NATO and Europe’s security. He assessed that despite tensions around Greenland, the North Atlantic Alliance is stable.

“Solidarity in Europe is necessary, but it is also necessary to build good transatlantic relations,” he said.

The president expressed hope that the issue of Greenland would be resolved through diplomatic means. He stressed that the tensions around the island do not mean that we have forgotten about Russia’s war against Ukraine. He described this war as the most important current issue for Poland, NATO’s eastern flank and “the entire free world.”

“We still feel the threat from Russia, we are in the middle of a hybrid war,” Nawrocki reminded. He also assessed that “we are slowly approaching peace in Ukraine.”

Nawrocki also expressed hope that “we will never have to answer this question (posed in the title of the panel: can Europe defend itself – PAP), when it comes to a kinetic war.”

“Ukraine should be priority number one; it is of key importance for the security of Europe and the United States,” said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. “I am really worried that we will lose sight of this goal and that the Ukrainians will not have a sufficient number of interceptor missiles to defend themselves,” he added.

The Dutchman reported that behind-the-scenes work is underway in connection with the tensions between the US and its European allies over Trump’s demands regarding the takeover of Greenland.

In his view, “President Trump and other leaders” are right, and NATO must do more to protect the Arctic from the influence of Russia and China. “We are working on jointly defending the Arctic region,” he assured.

The NATO Secretary General said that the only way to resolve the situation related to Trump’s threats concerning the annexation of Greenland is “thoughtful diplomacy.”

On Wednesday, Trump is to deliver a special speech in Davos. (21.01.26)