Trump's firmness may surprise Putin, says Polish minister

• Radosław Sikorski, in an interview with "El Pais," highlighted that Vladimir Putin might be surprised by the firmness of Donald Trump.
• The minister noted that the European Union is too weak to independently deter Russia; therefore, cooperation with NATO is crucial.
• Sikorski pointed out that the best guarantee for Ukraine is a well-equipped army and military assistance from the West.

Radosław Sikorski, in a conversation with "El Pais," expressed his belief that Vladimir Putin might be surprised by Donald Trump's firmness. The minister stressed that the United States is indispensable in deterring Russia, and the European Union is not capable of handling this challenge alone. "This is too big a task for us," admitted Sikorski, adding that NATO as a whole must take on the deterrence of Putin.

Sikorski noted that every American administration appreciates the value of having allies. He recalled that the only time Article 5 of NATO was invoked was in response to the terrorist attack on the United States in 2001.

The minister emphasized that the best guarantee for Ukraine is its own well-equipped army and military aid from the West. "What we would need from the United States is at least the use of some of their intelligence, space, and air resources," said Sikorski.

The Polish minister noted that a conventional Russian attack is unlikely to threaten Spain due to its geographical location. However, this does not mean that Madrid should disregard the threat from the east, which manifests in disinformation, espionage, and political manipulation. "We have seen Russian manipulation in Romania, Moldova, France, the United Kingdom—in support of Brexit, and, as far as I know, also in Spanish politics," Sikorski observed. He added that Russia has several military bases in Libya, which also pose a threat to the region.