Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, on nuclear weapons, getting used to war, and what Europe must do to protect itself
NEWSWEEK POLSKA: Are you a minister of peace or war?
WŁADYSŁAW KOSINIAK-KAMYSZ: The Minister of Defense must be prepared for any situation. Until the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, most of us thought that we lived in times of peace and viewed the Ministry of Defense indifferently. After February 24, 2022, everything changed, but in recent months we have been observing Poland and Europe getting used to the war. The first months of aggression were full of emotions. We were overwhelmed by the tragedy of the victims, and help for refugees, and then we got used to the war. So right now, the common challenge is not to be lulled into sleep.
NP: Do you go to bed thinking that it’s up to you to decide how Poland will defend itself in case of Russian aggression?
WK: Every day when I wake up, I check what is happening in Ukraine. And there is another large drone and missile raid. This is being repeated with such regularity that it’s clear that Russia has made up for its losses. Every morning, the first glance at my phone makes me realize what a huge responsibility I carry.
NP: Why is it dangerous to get used to war?
WK: It’s dangerous in the military, political and social dimensions, it weakens vigilance and the will to mobilize. What worries me is that death in war has stopped making an impression. We no longer even notice the number of casualties reported in the media on an ongoing basis.
NP: Donald Trump threatens that if he becomes U.S. president again, he will introduce the NATO principle of “if you don’t pay, let Putin do whatever the hell he wants with you.” Should we be afraid?
WK: NATO’s motto “One for all, all for one” is an actual commitment. Undermining the credibility of allied countries means weakening the entire North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Even the most aggressive election campaign should not change this.
NP: Should Poland join the NATO nuclear sharing program, like some Western European countries?
WK: When the war broke out in Ukraine, Europe adopted the so-called Strategic Compass, specifying what should be done by the end of 2025 in the field of mutual defense. Three weeks ago I received information that there is no one to deploy combat units preparing the full capability of the European Union’s ra
