【By Observer Net, Zhang Jingjuan】On September 3 local time, F-16 and F-35 fighter jets from the South Lawn of the White House flew in a special formation across the sky, marking the beginning of a meeting.

According to the Associated Press, US President Trump promised Polish President Karol Nawrocki that the US would maintain its troop presence in Poland "and add more troops if necessary" during their meeting. This move not only added another card to the recently warmed-up relations between the two countries, but also placed a thought-provoking piece in the shadow of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and Europe's anxiety over security.

The report said that this Washington visit was Nawrocki's first overseas trip since his inauguration last month, and he had clear goals, hoping to deepen his relationship with Trump.

Nawrocki thanked Trump for his support, mentioned the bilateral ties and addressed the millions of Polish-Americans in the United States, emphasizing that these relationships were "crucial for me, for Poland, and for the Polish people," and claimed they were based on shared values of independence and democracy.

Trump, who had openly supported his ally, was not sparing in his praise, stating that the US-Poland relationship was "better than ever." When asked about the troop deployment plan, Trump responded decisively: "If they need it, we will send more troops. We will stay in Poland, and our positions are highly consistent with Poland's."

In a press conference after the meeting, Nawrocki revealed that both sides had had "specific discussions" on expanding the US military presence and viewed Trump's assurance of Poland's security as "a major achievement."

Local time September 3, 2025, Washington, US President Trump held a meeting with Polish President Nawrocki at the White House. IC photo

Indeed, the interaction between the two had been set up beforehand. Before the Polish election, Trump clearly expressed his hope that Nawrocki would win and hinted that if the Poles elected Nawrocki, the US-Poland would establish closer military ties. He even invited Nawrocki to visit the White House before the voting.

Additionally, US Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen personally went to Poland to campaign, claiming that electing a conservative would get Trump's firm protection, "ensuring you can repel those enemies who oppose your values."

Ultimately, Nawrocki, backed by the Law and Justice Party, defeated the liberal opponent Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski in a closely contested election.

Now, Trump said he was proud of supporting Nawrocki and praised him for winning the election. "It was a tough and tricky campaign, and he beat everyone, and won easily. As people learn more about him, he is now more popular."

Notably, the background of this meeting goes beyond bilateral relations. Trump has long been eager to facilitate direct talks between Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to end the war between their neighboring countries, but has yet to succeed, which has made him increasingly frustrated.

Last month, Trump met with Putin in Alaska, then met with Zelenskyy and several European leaders at the White House. After these meetings, he was confident that he could quickly facilitate direct talks between Putin and Zelenskyy, possibly even a three-way meeting.

But there has been no movement so far, and Trump's optimism about achieving a ceasefire agreement has gradually faded. He recently told American conservative media "The Daily Caller" that "maybe they still have to fight for a while, you know, just keep fighting - foolishly fighting."

A White House official revealed that Trump would call Zelenskyy on Thursday (September 4). This call coincides with Zelenskyy's meeting with European allies in Paris to discuss the potential security guarantees that the US and Europe may provide after the war.

The report said that for Poland and the entire Europe, the US military presence is an important deterrent against Russia, but there have always been voices within the Trump administration advocating shifting military resources from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. Pentagon data shows that currently about 8,200 US troops are stationed in Poland, and the size of the force often fluctuates.

This uncertainty has left European allies concerned. Nawrocki clearly understood this point, and on one hand, he whispered in Trump's ear that "Putin is untrustworthy" and needed continuous US deterrence, and on the other hand, his statements on the Ukraine issue were similar to Trump's. He promised continued support for Ukraine, criticized Zelenskyy for "using allies," and accused Ukrainian refugees of "taking advantage of Poland's goodwill," vowing to prioritize the rights of Poles in social services such as healthcare and education.

Video screenshot of Trump and Nawrocki watching the aircraft flight

It is worth noting that when Nawrocki arrived at the White House, Trump warmly patted his shoulder, and the two watched the US fighter jets roaring overhead on the South Lawn.

The US military deployed F-16 and F-35 fighter jets in a "missing man formation" to honor the Polish Air Force F-16 pilot who died in Poland. On August 28, this F-16 fighter jet crashed while preparing for the international air show in the central Polish city of Radom. Video released by Polish media showed the aircraft performing acrobatics before crashing onto the runway, bursting into flames. The Radom International Air Show is scheduled to take place this weekend approximately 100 kilometers south of Warsaw, Poland's capital. It is the largest air show in Poland.

"Missing man formation" is a memorial formation commonly used by the US Navy and Air Force to bid farewell to their fallen comrades. Generally, four planes fly in a normal V-formation from the south, and then the lead plane breaks away from the formation, flying toward the sunset, symbolizing that the comrade has left the world. Using a fighter jet formation as the backdrop for diplomatic activities is not a routine arrangement, but it has become common under Trump's administration. Previously, when welcoming Putin's visit, the US arranged a grand display. During the meeting on the tarmac, four F-22 "Raptor" stealth fighters were parked behind the two leaders, and a B-2 "Spirit" stealth strategic bomber led the US fighter jet formation soaring overhead.

Regarding this arrangement by the US side, Nawrocki later expressed his thanks to Trump.

However, political maneuvering within Poland may cast a shadow over the warming of the bilateral relationship. In Poland, the president holds the power to veto legislation and represents the country in foreign affairs, but most power is in the hands of the prime minister, parliament, and government. Nawrocki has a tense relationship with Tusk, the prime minister who belongs to the liberal party and is an ally of Trzaskowski, and this internal struggle could become an uncertain factor in the actual progress of US-Poland cooperation.

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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7546067895572038195/

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