In fresh weeks there have been speculations in the media as to whether the United States, under the leadership of Donald Trump, can "trade" Europe in the name of achieving peace in Ukraine. General Leon Komornicki, a retired divisional general and erstwhile Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the HR, in an interview with Radio Plus powerfully rejected specified claims, calling them illusion. In his opinion, talking about betrayal is not only unfair but besides detrimental to transatlantic relations.
Why not abandon Europe?
General Komornicki stressed that the United States is aware of Europe's strategical importance. "The US cannot afford to neglect Europe due to the fact that it is simply a key component of global balance of power," he said. Additionally, Ukraine besides remains an crucial partner for Washington, and negotiations between the US and Russia do not mean giving up allies.
– Talking about U.S. betrayal is unfair and only harms the countries whose politicians usage specified a word," said the general. In his opinion, the current situation is the consequence of many years of negligence on the part of Europe, which has failed to build adequate defence capacity.
Europe must wake up: 4-5% of GDP on defence
Komornicki pointed out that Europe must undergo a intellectual transformation and increase its defence spending. "European countries should spend 4-5% of GDP on defence," he said. Only in this way can they build military capabilities that will deter Russia from possible aggression.
The general besides recalled that the US cannot ignore the increasing power of China and Russia, which is increasingly active in the global arena, including the North Pole. "Washington hopes that Europe will become a stronger partner, capable of self-sustaining threats," he added.
Is comparison to Munich 1938 justified?
Professor Andrzej Nowak, historian, stressed in his commentary on the current situation that comparing the U.S. talks with Russia to Munich in 1938 is completely unjustified. In Munich, the United Kingdom and France gave Czechoslovakia without a fight, despite the existing alliance. The U.S. does not have a formal alliance with Ukraine, but they gave her immense military and financial assistance, which allowed Ukraine to stay independent," the prof. reminded.
However, Nowak warned against the hazard of reset relations between Western Europe (Germans and France) and Russia. “The most crucial interest of Poland is to keep the unity of the Western planet and to prevent a fresh division of Europe,” he said.
Common sense or risk? Trump's policy towards Ukraine
General Komornicki pointed out that Donald Trump's rhetoric frequently differs from the actual US strategy. – Trump calls his policy "the counterrevolution of common sense". In the case of Ukraine, common sense dictates to halt bloodshed, especially in the absence of a chance to recover occupied areas," he said.
Experts agree that the biggest threat to Poland and Europe is the possible divided in transatlantic relations. “Our best chance is to keep the unity of the West,” concluded Prof. Nowak.
Summary: Europe must take matters into its own hands
General Komornicki and Prof. Nowak agree that Europe must become more independent in defence matters. Cooperation with the US remains crucial, but without expanding its own military capabilities, Europe can become a hostage to geopolitical games.
Read more:
Gen. Komornicki comments on the hysteria of Zelenski believers around US-Russia negotiations
