‘Looks like Putin’s dream plan’: Polish PM Tusk rebukes Trump over NATO threats amid Gulf conflict

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Thursday took a sharp dig at US President Donald Trump, saying that threats to fracture NATO and push Europe into an energy crisis align closely with Russia’s strategic interests.

His remarks came after Trump criticised NATO and signalled to withdraw from the 32-member alliance, citing insufficient support for the United States in the conflict with Iran.

Without directly naming Trump, Tusk suggested that efforts to weaken NATO, halt support for Ukraine and easing sanctions on Russia appear consistent with a plan that benefits Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“The threat of NATO’s break-up, easing sanctions on Russia, a massive energy crisis in Europe, halting aid for Ukraine and blocking the loan for Kyiv by Orbán – it all looks like Putin’s dream plan,” Tusk posted on X.

Notably, Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO for not supporting the United States in the Middle East conflict. In an interview with The Telegraph on Wednesday, he said he was never convinced by NATO’s strength and had long believed it was ineffective. He also stated that withdrawing the US from the alliance is now “beyond reconsideration”.

Trump’s clear message for allies

Earlier, Donald Trump criticised the UK and other allies, suggesting they should either show the courage to secure their own oil from the Strait of Hormuz or purchase it from the United States. He made it clear that the US would no longer shoulder the responsibility of fighting on their behalf.

“All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT. You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!” he posted on Truth Social.