Polish President Urges U.S. to End Ukraine War

Polish President Andrzej Duda has asserted that only the United States—particularly under a potential second Trump administration—holds the power to bring Russia’s war in Ukraine to an end.

In an exclusive interview with Euronews, Duda emphasized that lasting peace would require painful compromises from both sides, including Ukraine. He urged renewed transatlantic cooperation to secure long-term stability in the region.

“Today, my conclusion is absolutely unequivocal: There is no one outside the United States who can stop [Russian President] Vladimir Putin,” Duda said. “That’s why I believe President Donald Trump, with his determination, can bring this war to an end.”

He added, “Only American pressure can truly end this war and forge a peace that may not be comfortable for either side—but perhaps that’s what will make it last.”

Ukraine May Need to Make Concessions

Duda acknowledged the immense toll of the war on both Ukraine and Russia, suggesting Kiev would likely need to make difficult compromises in any future settlement.

“It has to be a compromise,” he said. “In my personal opinion, this peace should come down to neither side being able to claim victory, because each will have to step back in some way. Ukraine will also have to step back—to what extent, I cannot say at this stage.”

He described the conflict as exhausting for both nations, with Putin “playing a risky game” and Ukraine enduring terrible suffering. “These countries want to end the war. Each wants to win—that’s natural,” Duda noted.

His remarks come amid renewed debate over U.S. involvement in peace efforts. The last major U.S. proposal under Trump reportedly included recognizing Russia’s annexation of Crimea—a plan Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected. On Tuesday, Zelenskyy reiterated Kiev’s refusal to cede territory, stating, “There is nothing to talk about. This is our land.”

Trump’s Negotiation Style and NATO’s Role

Duda also discussed Trump’s approach to foreign policy, likening it to hard-nosed business tactics.

“He used to own casinos, so he plays a specific game—hard and calculated,” Duda said. “You have to negotiate tough with him.”

The Polish leader reaffirmed NATO’s collective defense principles, stressing the importance of U.S. military presence in Poland, where roughly 10,000 American troops are stationed. “I will encourage President Trump to deploy more units here,” he said.

He also highlighted the strategic value of the Three Seas Initiative, a regional alliance focused on energy security, noting its role in countering Russian aggression.

Openness to French Nuclear Deterrent

In a separate interview with Bloomberg, Duda expressed openness to hosting French nuclear weapons as an additional deterrent against Russia.

“I believe we can accept both [U.S. and French] solutions,” he said, referencing French President Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion of extending France’s nuclear umbrella to EU allies. Poland, which has significantly expanded its conventional forces in recent years, is also in talks with Paris about the proposal.

As diplomatic efforts continue, a planned high-level meeting in London to discuss ending the war was downgraded after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled his attendance. Ukraine’s delegation reiterated its stance: “We are ready to negotiate—but not to capitulate.”

Meanwhile, Putin has signaled rare openness to direct talks with Ukraine, a move some interpret as a potential shift under growing international pressure.