Finance
Poland is loyal US ally but can't be a "sucker", Sikorski says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 26, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 26, 2026
Tags:European Union
Quick Summary
Poland’s FM Radoslaw Sikorski says Warsaw is a loyal US ally but “won’t be suckers,” calling for greater European burden‑sharing. He estimates defending NATO’s eastern flank at €1.2T and urges unity against Russia.
Sikorski: Poland remains U.S. ally but refuses to be a 'sucker'
By Barbara Erling
Sikorski's Remarks to Parliament
Poland–U.S. Alliance and Strategic Balance
WARSAW, Feb 26 (Reuters) - The U.S. remains Poland's most important partner in military cooperation and Warsaw has been and will remain a loyal ally, but it can't be a "sucker", Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in a speech to parliament on Thursday.
Tusk Government's Balancing Act
His comments reflect the delicate balancing act that Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pro-EU government must perform in maintaining the strong transatlantic bond they see as crucial for national security at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump is upending old certainties about European security.
* "We look at the changes in the U.S. with understanding,but also concern," Sikorski told lawmakers. "We have been andwill continue to be a loyal ally of America. But we cannot besuckers." * Sikorski called for Europe to assume more responsibilityfor its security and underlined the role of European unity. * "The threat to the sovereignty and security of theRepublic of Poland comes from one direction – from the East, notthe West... The hour has struck for Europe. Either we standunited, or we will be consumed by greater powers." * Defending NATO's eastern flank against a possible Russianaggression would cost at least 1.2 trillion euros ($1.4trillion), 24 times more than Poland's defence budget, Sikorskisaid, suggesting that current financial and military aidprovided to Ukraine was far less than the likely cost of anypotential war between Russia and the Atlantic alliance. * While all sides of Poland's political spectrum regard theU.S. as the most important guarantor of Polish security, membersof Tusk's government have been critical of Trump, in contrastwith the much more pro-MAGA nationalist opposition and PresidentKarol Nawrocki.Currency Reference and Context
($1 = 0.8467 euros)
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Barbara Erling and Pawel Florkiewicz; writing by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Key Takeaways
- •Poland’s foreign minister says Warsaw remains a loyal US ally but insists the partnership must be fair.
- •Sikorski urges Europe to assume more responsibility and act in unity on defense.
- •He warns the main threat to Poland’s sovereignty comes from the East and stresses deterrence.
- •Defending NATO’s eastern flank could cost around €1.2 trillion, far beyond Poland’s budget.
- •The remarks highlight political divisions over Trump-era policies and support for Ukraine.
Frequently Asked Questions about Poland is loyal US ally but can't be a "sucker", Sikorski says
1What is the main topic?
Poland’s foreign minister reaffirms loyalty to the US alliance while warning that cooperation must be balanced. He calls for greater European responsibility and unity on defense amid ongoing security threats from the East.
2Why did Sikorski say Poland can’t be a ‘sucker’?
He argues Poland should not accept unequal terms in its alliance with the US and wants fair burden‑sharing, especially on defense commitments and support for Ukraine.
3How much could defending NATO’s eastern flank cost?
Sikorski estimates the cost at about €1.2 trillion, noting this would be many times larger than Poland’s annual defense budget.
4What are the financial implications?
Greater European burden‑sharing suggests higher regional defense outlays and sustained funding for Ukraine, which policymakers argue is cheaper than the potential costs of a wider NATO‑Russia conflict.
