Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said he is not fully convinced that the United States will remain a reliable security guarantor for Europe within NATO in the event of potential Russian aggression.
He made the remarks in an interview with Financial Times.
Concerns over NATO’s readiness
Tusk said it is particularly important for countries on NATO’s eastern flank to understand whether the Alliance can respond quickly to a possible Russian attack. He added that this applies both to political decision-making and logistical readiness.
He stressed that his concerns should not be interpreted as doubt in Article 5 of the NATO treaty on collective defence. Instead, he said he wants to ensure that formal security guarantees work effectively in practice.
Tusk described the risk as a realistic short-term scenario. He added that Russia could potentially attack a NATO member “within a few months”.
The Polish prime minister also said it is crucial for Warsaw that all allies treat NATO commitments seriously. He added that they should show the same level of commitment as Poland. At the same time, he highlighted strong relations with the United States, calling Washington Poland’s closest ally in Europe.
He added that his concern is not political rhetoric but how NATO mechanisms would function in a real crisis. Tusk said he wants to believe in the effectiveness of Article 5. He emphasized the need for a more practical approach to security guarantees.
Context
Tusk’s statement comes amid broader debates in Europe about the future role of the United States in NATO. European countries have stepped up discussions on contingency planning within the Alliance in case of a reduced US role or a possible withdrawal.
The debate has intensified following statements by US President Donald Trump, which raised questions about the stability of American security commitments.
Earlier The Ukrainian Review noted that former US intelligence officer Eugene Rumer said Russian President Vladimir Putin could exploit a “window of opportunity” for a potential conflict with NATO countries.
