Recently, the erstwhile president of the United States, Donald Trump, has sparked controversy with his statements about the "divine mission" in history. Among those who responded to these words is the erstwhile president of Poland, Aleksander Kwasniewski. In an interview with Virtual Poland, Kwasniewski expressed his doubts about Trump's ability to resolve the conflict with Russia and the situation of Ukraine.
"Divine Mission" – a dangerous imposition of reality
Kwasniewski commented on Trump's words, saying that "people convinced of their divine mission are beginning to separate from reality". This approach can be problematic, especially in the context of resolving global conflicts. “If Trump wants to talk to Putin, that he almost anointed by God calls Putin to peace, and Putin says, ‘Yes, you are God’s typical and this peace will be’... Well, these are illusions," Kwasniewski said.
Negotiations with Putin – cold shower for Trump?
Kwasniewski besides expressed doubts about Trump's ability to negociate with Vladimir Putin. "I don't feel that way. Especially after that speech, due to the fact that he didn't say anything about it," he said. In his opinion, Trump's possible conversation with Putin could turn out to be a cold shower for the erstwhile US President.
Sovereignty of Ukraine – key to the US
Kwasniewski recalled that it is crucial for the United States to keep the sovereignty of Ukraine. "This is in the American interest not only for prestigious reasons but besides for security. This is besides a substance of global law and agreements that Russia has signed in the past," the erstwhile president explained.
Influence Zones – Enticing rhetoric for Putin
Kwasniewski noted that Trump's rhetoric about spheres of influence could be highly tempting for Putin. "The full rhetoric of Trump, about Panama, Greenland and Canada and so on, is the melody Putin is happy to perceive to. 'We want our sphere of influence, you want your region of influence. Let’s get along,” Kwasniewski warns.
New Yalta?
The erstwhile president pointed out that specified considerations could lead to a "new Yalta", although the diverging interests of powers, including China, make specified a script seem unlikely.
In Poland, the subject of relations with Russia and Ukraine is inactive alive. According to the data of the Ministry of abroad Affairs, in 2020, Poland spent over 100 million PLN in support of Ukraine. Additionally, Poland is simply a NATO associate and actively cooperates with this alliance on safety issues in the region.
It is worth noting that Russia is Poland's 3rd largest trading partner, and Ukraine is Poland's second largest trading partner among east European countries. According to CSO data, in 2020, the value of Polish exports to Russia amounted to over PLN 10.5 billion, and the value of imports from Russia amounted to over PLN 14.5 billion.
It is besides worth noting that Poland is 1 of the most active countries in the Ukrainian issue. According to the MFA data, Poland provided Ukraine with support of over PLN 2.5 billion between 2014 and 2020.
As Poland is closely connected with the Ukrainian economy and politics, any decision taken by the United States on relations with Russia and Ukraine has consequences for our country.
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Is Donald Trump capable of resolving a conflict with Russia and Ukraine?
