Controversial translator during the recent meeting between Polish and American officials, intended to strengthen military cooperation, has instead exposed a glaring inconsistency in Polandâs diplomatic approach.
A translator with strong political ties and an openly adversarial stance towards the U.S. Secretary of Defense was allowed to participate in high-level discussionsâraising questions about the Polish government’s judgment and the potential implications for its most crucial alliance. Was this a simple oversight, or a calculated move signaling deeper political currents?
U.S.-Poland Talks in the Spotlight
According to the Polish news outlet Niezalezna.pl, Magdalena Fitas-Czuchnowska, the wife of “Gazeta Wyborcza” journalist Wojciech Czuchnowski, was present as a translator during discussions between U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense WĆadysĆaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. The issue? Just two days earlier, her husband had publicly referred to the American politician as a “tattooed ex-con moron” on social media.
The controversy deepened when it was revealed that Fitas-Czuchnowska had shared her husband’s inflammatory post, seemingly endorsing his derogatory remarks. Critics argue that this situation could be perceived as a deliberate provocation, potentially harming Poland’s strategic relationship with the United States.
Public Outrage and Political Fallout
Prominent historian Professor SĆawomir Cenckiewicz strongly condemned the incident on social media:
“You brought to this meeting a person who, just hours earlier, had shared an aggressive and hateful post about the U.S. Secretary of Defense! She sat next to you, looking the Pentagon chief in the eyeâthe same man she had insulted online in solidarity with her husband. And she was your translator! You have disgraced Poland and humiliated us in front of our most important ally. You should resign immediately! Do you think this will go unnoticed? The Pentagon chief already knows! You have caused a diplomatic scandal!”
Szanowny Panie @KosiniakKamysz to ĆŒe Pan na tajne spotkanie w @MON_GOV_PL z Sekretarzem Obrony @PeteHegseth bierze osobÄ uczestniczÄ cÄ od lat w regularnych akcjach hejterskich na X i byĆÄ ĆŒonÄ szkolonego przez GRU oficera sowiecko-âpolskiejâ sĆuĆŒby – to rozumiem, nie pochwalam,⊠pic.twitter.com/TS32yuxNaE
â SĆawomir Cenckiewicz (@Cenckiewicz) February 14, 2025
The incident raises pressing questions about the vetting process for translators in high-level diplomatic talks and whether such decisions could negatively impact Polish-American relations. Given Polandâs strategic push to strengthen NATOâs eastern flank, any controversy or diplomatic misstep could undermine crucial military and security cooperation.
Controversial Translatorâs Political Ties and Controversial Past
Magdalena Fitas-Czuchnowska, formerly known as Fitas-Dukaczewska, has a history that adds further intrigue to the situation. She was previously married to General Marek Dukaczewski, the last head of Polandâs Military Intelligence Services (WSI), who had ties to the Russian GRU.
According to reports, she also played a key role as a translator during Polandâs “reset” in relations with Vladimir Putinâs Russia under Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Notably, she translated conversations between Putin and Tusk on April 7 and April 10, 2010.
Her political leanings have also come under scrutiny. Besides sharing her husband’s derogatory comments about Hegseth, she has previously posted content critical of former U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration, referring to them as “the biggest lunatics.”
Did Poland Properly Vet Its Translator for the Talks?
The core question remains: Was Fitas-Czuchnowskaâs selection as a translator appropriately vetted, given her public stance and political affiliations? Could her presence have impacted the perception of Polandâs commitment to its alliance with the United States?
These concerns are particularly relevant as Poland continues to seek enhanced military cooperation and security assurances from Washington. Given the high stakes, ensuring that such diplomatic engagements remain free from political controversy is essential.
A Self-Inflicted Diplomatic Dilemma
This incident underscores the precarious position in which the Polish government has placed itself. On one hand, it seeks to present itself as a reliable NATO ally, fully committed to strengthening its military ties with the United States. On the other hand, allowing an individual with openly antagonistic views towards key U.S. officials to play a critical role in diplomatic discussions sends conflicting signals.
hether this was an unfortunate blunder or a deliberate provocation, the fallout could have lasting consequences for Polandâs standing on the international stage.
Below, we cite several posts by Fitas-Czuchnowska critical of Donald Trump and his re-election.
