Speaking in the southeastern Polish city of Rzeszów on Sunday, Trzaskowski, a liberal-centrist politician, said that Ukraine belongs in Europe, not under Russian control.
He also stressed the need to make clear to American policymakers that a strong Putin poses a threat not just to Europe but also to the United States, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
"The United States must understand that it is in its interest to prevent Putin from winning this war," Trzaskowski said, adding that Polish officials should continue to communicate this to their American counterparts.
He also emphasized the importance of unity in Polish foreign policy, recalling that past Polish presidents, from Lech Wałęsa to Andrzej Duda, had spoken with one voice on NATO membership, defense policy and Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European community.
"Now is not the time to break this consensus," he said.
Trzaskowski responded to criticism that President Andrzej Duda's upcoming visit to the United States is primarily to bid farewell to the Polish American community.
He expressed confidence that Duda would engage with American politicians, possibly even Trump.
Trzaskowski argued that Poland has built strong trust among its allies in Europe, Ukraine and the United States and must leverage this position.
The Warsaw mayor also reiterated that the truth about the war in Ukraine must be consistently communicated.
"We know exactly who started this war — Putin and his aggression," he said. "The pressure must be placed on the aggressor, not the victim."
He warned that if Putin were able to claim victory, it would weaken not only Poland and Europe’s security but also that of the United States.
"If Putin wins, every dictator in the world will celebrate," Trzaskowski said. "It will send a message that aggression pays, and both Europeans and Americans will bear the consequences."
Trzaskowski also argued that European countries collectively have larger military forces than the United States but need to increase defense spending.
He told voters that Poland allocates the highest percentage of its GDP to defense among European nations and has NATO's second-largest army in Europe after Turkey.
"There has never been a moment in history when Poland had a bigger army than Britain, France or Germany," he said. "We are securing the entire eastern border."
He warned against any potential revival of the Nord Stream gas pipeline project, which he said would only strengthen Russia's position.
Praising Rzeszów as a "symbol of a proud nation willing to extend a helping hand to friends in need,” Trzaskowski also suggested that the city could play a role in Ukraine’s future reconstruction, with Polish companies participating in rebuilding efforts.
He expressed support for the government’s Eastern Shield program, which aims to strengthen Poland’s borders with Russia and Belarus, calling it a key security measure.
"If Putin has struggled in Ukraine, he will think three times before attacking a country as prepared as Poland,” Trzaskowski said.
He urged the government to prioritize Poland’s national interest with calm and efficiency, contrasting this with the approach of the previous Law and Justice (PiS) administration.
"They shouted a lot but achieved little; they slammed their fists on the table but failed to deliver concrete results, especially with the European Union," Trzaskowski said.
He called for a "well-planned strategy to navigate the current geopolitical reality."
Addressing claims from PiS politicians that they are the sole guarantors of good relations with America, Trzaskowski mocked his main campaign rival’s public displays of strength.
"When I saw my opponent lifting weights and carrying refrigerators, I wondered if that would impress anyone; I doubt it would impress a tough guy like Trump,” Trzaskowski said, referring to Karol Nawrocki, a candidate backed by the opposition conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party.
During his visit to the southeastern Podkarpacie region, Trzaskowski reaffirmed his pledge to build a new Central Industrial District, which he described as a key economic driver for the area.
He promised that over PLN 100 billion (USD 25 billion) would be invested in infrastructure, particularly in railways, and highlighted the importance of developing defense sector companies such as Huta Stalowa Wola, a major arms manufacturer.
He also emphasized the importance of investing in new technologies, including artificial intelligence, ensuring that such advancements translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
Additionally, he called for closer collaboration between universities and businesses as part of Poland’s broader economic strategy.
Trzaskowski concluded his remarks by calling for accountability for the previous PiS government.
"If we do not hold PiS accountable, we will fail to show respect for the state," he said. "Respecting the state means bringing those who engaged in corruption and misconduct to justice."
Trzaskowski last month urged a cross-party agreement on national security, appealing to all political forces to work together on what he described as the country's most crucial issues.
Poland’s presidential election is scheduled for May 18. If no contender wins more than 50 percent of the vote, a second round will be held two weeks later.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP