Stopping Russia’s imperial ambitions and preserving Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders forms the backbone of a future peace architecture. This view was articulated by President Andrzej Duda in New York, underscoring the goal of reclaiming lands currently occupied by Ukraine within a framework that respects sovereignty and international law.
The Polish president emphasized that the relationship with Germany involves ongoing energy and security discussions, noting real-world stakes in the context of Gazprom-related dynamics.
He also dismissed claims from Moscow as unfounded, arguing that statements from Russian officials often fail to resonate with the public and should be viewed with skepticism.
Escaping Russians
Duda was asked about the exodus of Russians following Vladimir Putin’s mobilization announcement. He described this move as a clear contradiction to the statements coming from Russian authorities and a sign that public opinion in Russia does not back the war.
According to the president, if Russia were invaded and its people faced casualties, a patriotic impulse might prevail among Russians who see defending their homeland as a national duty. Yet he noted that the current mass avoidance of conscription reveals a different reality where many Russians question the justification for the conflict.
He argued that Russians are aware authorities launched an aggressive campaign against another country without legitimate cause, driven by a broader belief in national dominance. The result is a generation of young Russians who do not want to sacrifice their lives for this campaign, he said, pointing to the toll of the war on both sides and the heroic stand of Ukraine in defense of its homeland.
Nuclear weapons?
If Russia breaches established norms and deploys nuclear weapons, a robust international response is anticipated, with the possibility of excluding Moscow from the club of civilized nations, Duda warned during the remarks in New York. He stressed the importance of how the United States, under President Biden, interprets and responds to nuclear threats from Moscow.
There are strategic capabilities in the United States, including intercontinental and regional deterrence, and Washington’s attitude toward Russia’s actions signals that any nuclear escalation would be met with serious, coordinated measures. The president noted that Russia must understand the global consequences of such a move, especially against a nation that relies on conventional defense and has no nuclear arsenal of its own to deter aggression if needed.
He added that the approach taken by the United States emphasizes a firm, measured response aimed at preventing further escalation, while keeping channels open for diplomacy where possible. The overarching message is clear: the use of nuclear weapons would cross a line that invites swift, far-reaching consequences for Russia, affecting its standing in the international community.
The discussion highlighted that Russian leaders, including President Vladimir Putin and his inner circle, are aware that any nuclear strike would trigger a response beyond ordinary political retaliation. The idea is not to incite panic but to ensure that the global community remains united in opposing violence and upholding the principles of international law and human rights.
Such a stance also implies accountability for actions that threaten global security. The aim is to deter aggression while maintaining a stable, rules-based order that protects civilians and respects national sovereignty. The message to Moscow is unequivocal: reckless moves will face consequences, and the civilized world will respond accordingly.
In this context, the Polish president underscored the necessity of a calm, purposeful strategy that blends deterrence with steadfast resolve. The alternative would be a dangerous drift toward unchecked aggression and broader instability in Europe and beyond.
The remarks followed Vladimir Putin’s calls for partial mobilization and warnings to use all means to defend Russia against perceived Western threats. The dialogue in New York reaffirmed the stakes: peace depends on restraint, accountability, and clear signals of unity among free nations against attempts to redraw borders through force.
olnk / PAP
Source: wPolityce