Poland Warns of Expanded Russian Threat, Seeks Permanent U.S. Base

Poland is experiencing near-daily air-raid warnings due to Russian drone incursions, a situation described by the nation's Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski as an "existential" threat. Sikorski, speaking in New York during the UN General Assembly, warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin appears intent on expanding the conflict beyond Ukraine.

"Historically, every time Russia conquered Ukraine, we were next," Sikorski stated, emphasizing the perceived threat to NATO ally Poland. He indicated that European troops might be necessary in Ukraine, though he stressed that the decision rests with Ukraine itself.

During his remarks, Sikorski also revealed that he would personally nominate former President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize if Trump were to secure a "fair and honorable peace" for Ukraine.

Poland is actively seeking a permanent U.S. military base, proposing to host up to 15,000 American troops. This initiative comes as the U.S. considers its troop presence in Europe. Sikorski noted that Poland offers a favorable cost structure for U.S. military operations, stating, "We pay $15,000 per annum for every U.S. soldier. We’ve offered to build this base for you, which means that it would be cheaper for you to keep the soldiers and to exercise them in Poland than it is in the United States."

He framed the proposed base as a deterrent to Russian aggression, asserting, "What we [Poland] get is a signal to Russia: ‘Don’t you dare invade us.’ What you [the U.S.] get is some of the best exercise grounds in the world and lower costs of keeping your army."

Sikorski detailed Russia's increasing use of hybrid warfare tactics against Poland, including drone incursions near the border, threats to infrastructure, and cyberattacks. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has also recently cautioned that Russia may be planning "accidental" hybrid drone and missile strikes against Ukraine's European neighbors, including Poland, as a means to test NATO's resolve.

"It’s the last thing we wish for. But we don’t decide it. It’s the aggressor, Russia, who is imposing this hybrid war on us, and who is apparently considering escalating this disaster. So we need to deter Putin from making his mistake even worse," Sikorski said. He clarified that while Poland's primary duty is to protect its border with Russia, the logistical support for sustaining operations in Ukraine remains crucial.