The ongoing war in Ukraine poses a serious risk to European stability. Ukraine deserves broad support from France because it defends core European values. The West should heed Eastern European perspectives on Russia, according to Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki during discussions with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris following their meeting.
They examined the geopolitical context of Russia’s aggression, strategies to halt it promptly, and the demand for Russian forces to withdraw. The conversation also covered indirect consequences of the conflict, notably disruptions in energy markets and rising inflation. The leaders agreed on the need to address these challenges and find practical solutions. Morawiecki also urged Macron to temporarily suspend the European Emissions Trading System to give European economies some breathing room, while both leaders reaffirmed the importance of strengthening the military and financial capacities of the European Union and its member states.
“Europe’s unity must be defended”
When asked about Macron’s approach to Russia, Morawiecki noted that while there are differences in opinions on the conflict, there is a shared belief that European unity is essential for imposing additional sanctions. Any action requires the consensus of all 27 EU members. His aim is to discover common ground that can move sanctions forward.
The French president should engage with Volodymyr Zelensky, whose position remains extremely challenging as he strives to safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and resist what is described as brutal and barbaric aggression. Morawiecki posited that Zelensky deserves broad support from France for his commitment to Europe’s core values of freedom, justice, and sovereignty, and that Zelensky should be a primary recipient of calls from the Elysee Palace.
Asked what steps he would take if Poland served as EU president over the past half year, Morawiecki suggested harsher sanctions against Russia, including proposing the confiscation of assets held by Russian oligarchs and the Russian state, potentially exceeding 300 billion euros. He argued such funds could help lower energy costs for taxpayers in France, Germany, and Poland.
The discussion underscored a clear desire to end Russia’s leverage over European countries.
Morawiecki emphasized that there should be an even higher priority on military and financial support for Ukraine.
Eastern flank nations within NATO have a sharper understanding of Russia than more distant countries or those with historical ties to Moscow. This reality highlights the importance of regular dialogue not only among the central European partners but also with Lithuania, Finland, and other neighboring states.
According to Morawiecki, Russia has consistently urged a swift shift in how the world views the geopolitical situation. The current moment is pivotal in modern world history and a test of Europe’s resilience. The leadership stresses that the path forward must avoid accepting a narrative of defeat and must resist Kremlin attempts to persuade Western publics that the war can end soon and things return to normal.
The prime minister suggested that further actions should be considered to ensure enduring dialogue and to seek practical compromises that reflect a common European denominator.
“Putin’s influence is waning, but risks remain”
When reflecting on Europe’s future amid ongoing conflict, Morawiecki warned that the course of events remains uncertain. The EU’s strong economic foundation should keep the union resilient, even as unpredictable episodes arise. He asserted that Vladimir Putin’s power is diminishing, yet it remains essential to recognize that even authoritarian regimes can be swayed by public sentiment. It cannot be ruled out that events will unfold in unexpected ways in the future.
The Polish head of government noted that the recent case involving the daughter of Alexander Dugin, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, could be interpreted as a provocation intended to influence Russian responses. Past operations by security services and political figures associated with the Kremlin have demonstrated the range of possible reactions, suggesting that every scenario should be considered in strategic planning.
In closing, Morawiecki highlighted the importance of sustaining dialogue and pursuing a shared denominator in Europe’s approach to Russia and Ukraine.
Please note: This recap reflects remarks reported by the Polish press during the cited discourse.
[Citation: wPolityce]