Meta Description: Trump to meet Polish President Duda amid rising tensions over Ukraine war and U.S. military aid, with discussions set to shape future alliances.
President Donald Trump is set to meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda on Saturday as discussions surrounding the ongoing Ukraine war and U.S. military aid dominate the geopolitical stage. According to sources familiar with the matter, the meeting will take place on the sidelines of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), which Duda is attending during his visit to the United States. Trump, who is also scheduled to deliver remarks at the event, is expected to address his administration’s evolving stance on Ukraine and the U.S. role in the conflict.
Duda, a right-wing populist known for his strong rapport with Trump, has been a key advocate for maintaining close ties between Poland and the United States, particularly on security matters. Poland has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest allies, providing military support and humanitarian assistance since Russia’s invasion in 2022. However, Trump’s recent statements have stirred controversy, as he blamed Ukraine for the war, despite Russia being the aggressor.
On Tuesday, Trump asserted that Ukraine “should have never started the war,” a claim that contradicts historical facts and the widely recognized reality of Russia’s unprovoked invasion. However, in a Friday radio interview, the president clarified his stance, acknowledging that Russia was responsible for the attack on Ukraine but maintaining that the war could have been avoided under different diplomatic conditions.
In a significant policy shift, Trump also suggested that the U.S. is close to striking a deal with Ukraine regarding rare earth minerals in exchange for continued military assistance. “I think we’re pretty close,” Trump stated during an event at the White House. “They feel good about it, and it’s a significant deal, but they want it, and it keeps us in that country. And they’re very happy about it, but we get our money back.” His comments reflect a transactional approach to military aid, framing the U.S. support for Ukraine as a return on investment rather than a strategic necessity.
Poland’s role in the conflict remains crucial, and Duda has actively encouraged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to remain calm and work with the Trump administration. In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Duda emphasized his confidence in U.S. leadership, saying, “I trust … goodwill and honesty from the foundation of the U.S. negotiation strategy. I do not doubt that President Trump is guided by a deep sense of responsibility for global stability and peace.”
Beyond discussions about Ukraine, Duda’s visit carries additional strategic significance for Poland, as he seeks reassurances that U.S. troops will continue their presence in the country, which is a key NATO ally. Amid growing concerns about European security, Duda recently met with the U.S. special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, who assured him that the U.S. does not intend to reduce its troop levels in the region.
Poland has long advocated for an expanded U.S. military footprint in the country. During a 2018 White House visit, Duda famously proposed the construction of a permanent U.S. base in Poland, humorously suggesting the name “Fort Trump.” While the proposal did not come to fruition, Poland has continued to host thousands of American troops as part of NATO’s deterrence efforts against potential Russian aggression.
The upcoming meeting between Trump and Duda is expected to address these critical security concerns, along with potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s administration. With Ukraine’s war effort hanging in the balance and Poland seeking stronger guarantees of U.S. support, the discussions could have lasting implications for the region’s stability.
As the world watches closely, the outcomes of this high-stakes meeting will shape the trajectory of U.S.-Polish relations, the future of NATO’s eastern flank, and the broader geopolitical landscape surrounding the Ukraine conflict.