Poland’s right-wing nationalist President Karol Nawrocki is visiting Paris and Berlin on Tuesday to seek support for strengthening his country’s eastern defences, following a major incursion of Russian drones.
Context of the Drone Incursion
- Last week, at least 17 drones violated Polish airspace.
- Russia denies targeting Poland, but Warsaw views the incident as a deliberate attack, heightening concerns that Moscow’s confrontation with the West could extend beyond Ukraine.
- Poland scrambled jets along with some European allies to intercept the drones.
- US President Donald Trump has downplayed the incursion, suggesting the drones may have entered Polish territory “by mistake,” although Nawrocki insists it was a deliberate test of NATO defences.
European Defence Support
| Country | Response |
| Germany | Extending air defence mission in eastern Poland by three months, doubling Eurofighter jets to four. |
| France | Sending three Rafale jet fighters to join the mission. |
The support of European partners is crucial for Poland, especially as Trump’s comments have softened the US response.
Berlin Leg of the Visit
- Nawrocki’s first stop is Berlin, where he will meet Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- Discussions may be delicate, as Nawrocki has previously called on Germany to pay reparations to Poland for civilian treatment during World War II.
Historical Background on Reparations:
| Detail | Poland’s Position | Germany’s Position |
| WWII Losses | Estimated at €1.3 trillion ($1.5 trillion) by 2022 right-wing government | Argues Poland renounced claims in 1953 under Soviet pressure |
| Political Debate | Nawrocki’s nationalist stance contrasts with Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s pro-European government | Poland’s former Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski called compensation claims futile but suggested Germany could invest further in Poland’s defence |
Paris Leg of the Visit
- After Berlin, Nawrocki will travel to Paris to meet President Emmanuel Macron.
- Key agenda items include trade and defence cooperation, as well as the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement.
- Poland has announced that it will vote against the agreement, citing potential harm to Polish and European agriculture, and intends to seek France’s support in its stance.
