Speaking on Friday, President Andrzej Duda reflected on the events at the Poland-Belarus border, saying the country earned the respect of its allies as it met the challenge with resolve. He emphasized that Poland bore a responsibility to defend the European Union’s external border during the migration crisis that began in 2021, a duty shared with the wider bloc.
He described a moment of decisive action when a test was perceived at the eastern border, during which migrants primarily from the Middle East, who had arrived in Belarus by air, were redirected toward Poland. The president recalled that border authorities faced verbal assaults, even as they carried out their duties to safeguard the border of the Republic and the European Union.
During a gathering with residents of Brzeziny and the Brzeziny county in the Łódź Voivodeship, Duda noted that some groups in Poland, who style themselves as Euro enthusiasts, launched criticisms against the officers and soldiers who stood firm at the frontier. He stressed that those defenders of the EU border were supported by the broad majority of Polish society, a backing he said helped them endure hostile rhetoric and remain steadfast in their mission.
The president added that Poland’s obligation to protect the EU border had drawn scrutiny from Brussels, as observers debated whether Warsaw was meeting its European commitments. He underscored that the country’s stance was not directed at Belarusians alone; it was a message to Russia and to Vladimir Putin that Poland would defend its sovereignty and its border.
Duda expressed his belief that the Belarussian regime did not act solo in attacking the frontier. He suggested Moscow had conducted a test on a neighboring state and decided to apply pressure near Poland because its location near strategic points, including the Suwałki Gap and proximity to the Baltic States, makes it a focal area within NATO’s map. The message, he stated, was that Poland had passed the test and had earned the respect of its allies.
“I want us to be able to defend ourselves as well as possible”
Continuing, the president articulated a goal to strengthen Poland’s self-defense capacity so that the country could safeguard its citizens not just today but for future generations. He highlighted the importance of NATO presence, arguing that it allows Poles to sleep more securely, highlighting the value of American, Dutch, and other NATO aircraft patrolling and safeguarding Polish airspace.
Nevertheless, he cautioned that true security would come from ongoing development of Poland’s own capabilities. He thanked the participants in Brzeziny for supporting the armed forces and the defense programs that underpin this progress. The president described the defense challenge as a major task for future budgeting and policy decisions, stressing that security remains one of the most vital elements of his presidency and a key factor in Poland’s international standing.
He expressed a clear intention to raise Poland’s prestige so that the country is recognized and respected on the world stage. While he did not seek worldwide affection, he affirmed that respect would follow as a natural result of hard-won national dignity and perseverance through difficult periods in the nation’s history—the times when prosperity was scarce and the world seemed distant. He conveyed optimism about continued national development and resilience.
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