Norway Responds to Russian Provocation in Poland. Politicians Say What Europe Must Do
President Karol Nawrocki said during the summit in Ankara that Vladimir Putin may once again use force against countries on NATO’s eastern flank. This comes amid NATO sources’ assessments of a possible Russian provocation in Poland or the Baltic states. Norway points out that Europe must quickly strengthen its defense, and any reduction in the US presence must not weaken deterrence.
During the NATO summit (July 7-8), the Polish delegation was led by Karol Nawrocki, Radosław Sikorski, and Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Fot. Marek Borawski, KPRP
During the NATO summit (July 8) in Turkey’s capital, Nawrocki reported that on July 7, 2026, he had a brief conversation with Donald Trump. The topic was the permanent presence of US troops in Poland. The Polish president also said that the US and Trump are the backbone of NATO. From the Norwegian perspective, the key is for Europe to have time to fill the gaps if Washington starts to reduce its military involvement on the continent, Norwegian politicians emphasize.
Nawrocki Wants US Troops. Norway Guards Deterrence on European Terms
On July 8, 2026, Nawrocki spoke about the risk of Russia using force. This concerns countries located on NATO’s eastern flank. His statement came after reports described by the British newspaper 'The Guardian' at the end of June 2026. According to two NATO sources, Russia may try to test the Alliance’s unity through a provocation in the Baltic states or Poland.
The sources linked this scenario to pressure on the Kremlin following long-range Ukrainian attacks. The targets were near Moscow and St. Petersburg. One source in Latvian intelligence spoke of signs of preparations for military action. However, these actions would be far from a full-scale attack.
The sources linked this scenario to pressure on the Kremlin following long-range Ukrainian attacks. The targets were near Moscow and St. Petersburg. One source in Latvian intelligence spoke of signs of preparations for military action. However, these actions would be far from a full-scale attack.
Karol Nawrocki and Petr Pavel during the summit in Ankara.Photo: Marek Borawski, Chancellery of the President of Poland
The US Is Testing Its Forces. Europe Has Little Time
In June 2026, Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik from the Labour Party (Ap) spoke about a possible reduction of the US military presence in Europe. He commented after a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels. Sandvik emphasized that the process must be orderly. According to him, there must not be a sudden move that would weaken deterrence.
Sandvik pointed out that the US should give Europe time to strengthen its defense capabilities. However, Europe must actually take on part of the responsibility. The Norwegian minister said that European countries must show readiness to fill the gaps. He added that some actions will take more time, but Europe is in a hurry on this matter.
Sandvik pointed out that the US should give Europe time to strengthen its defense capabilities. However, Europe must actually take on part of the responsibility. The Norwegian minister said that European countries must show readiness to fill the gaps. He added that some actions will take more time, but Europe is in a hurry on this matter.
In June 2026, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced in Brussels a review of the US forces’ contribution. He said it is intended to ensure that Europe takes primary responsibility for the continent’s defense. This concerns the military capabilities reported by individual NATO countries. The Alliance can use these in a crisis situation.
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