Polish ambassador to the United Nations, Krzysztof Szczerski, emphasized that Poland speaks with its own voice and has become a leading partner for the United States. In his view, the United States positions Poland as a model for others, and this role was highlighted during recent diplomatic discussions in New York and beyond.
Poles were right from the start
During conversations about President Joe Biden’s visit to Poland, Szczerski noted how this visit is perceived on the global stage. He described Biden’s trip as a signal that Poland serves as a practical example for others, especially at a moment when the White House underscored a programmatic speech aligned with Russia’s aggression. Szczerski said that many capitals would welcome a US president addressing such a pivotal anniversary with a clear policy agenda.
The ambassador argued that Poland was correct about the Western response to the East and the threat posed by Russian imperialism. He added that Poland acted decisively when the conflict began, providing Ukraine with support, mobilizing international help in military and security domains, and demonstrating remarkable solidarity with the wave of refugees that arrived from Ukraine. He stressed that the world has observed Poland’s response as unprecedented and historically significant.
From New York, Szczerski described these developments as marking a unique moment in international politics, one that will be remembered for its originality and impact.
We are the country everyone is looking at
The ambassador pointed to the Bucharest Nine as a forum that did not emerge by accident. The format was established in 2015, rooted in the initiatives of Poland and Romania, Andrzej Duda and Klaus Iohannis, demonstrating that Poland and its allies anticipated the strategic shifts ahead. Today, President Biden’s attendance at a B9 meeting reinforces Poland’s central role in regional security, NATO cohesion, and the broader Atlantic alliance.
Poland presents itself as a constructive force in regional security and a reliable partner in protecting shared interests. Szczerski argued that Poland’s independence in thought and action is the key to building stronger international partnerships. The country continues to mobilize its environment, pursuing its own goals while encouraging others to align with a clear and principled stance. He asserted that Poland’s actions reflect a deliberate strategy rather than mere reaction, and that the nation is respected for its willingness to act on its own voice.
In this evolving security landscape, Poland’s approach is framed as a balance of national interests and collective responsibility. Szczerski noted that while the United States remains a leading force, Poland has earned recognition as a true partner that articulates its own strategy from the outset, an approach that others often follow rather than precede.
Grassroots and official diplomacy alike are cited as evidence that Poland can influence regional dynamics. The ambassador stressed that Poland’s independence from external pressures strengthens its global position and invites cooperation with like-minded partners to pursue security objectives that benefit the wider region.
Reset with Russia during the PO-PSL period
Asked about the policy towards Russia under the PO-PSL administration, Szczerski drew a line between periods of independent action and times when Polish positions appeared to echo other capitals. He highlighted moments when Poland asserted its own national interests and times when, in his view, it deferred to external opinions for reconciliation with Russia, sometimes at the expense of its own security and strategic aims.
He recalled past periods when Poland opted for explicit independence and, at other times, allowed external voices to shape its stance. These dynamics, he suggested, illustrate the importance of steadfast national interest and a clear, self-directed foreign policy. The ambassador framed these contrasts as lessons that reinforce Poland’s contemporary posture: an independent voice, a readiness to engage with allies, and a resolve to stand by its own assessments even when challenged by powerful capitals.
According to Szczerski, independence has proven more attractive to partners in recent years. Poland has demonstrated the capacity to act decisively, to be seen as a leader, and to bolster security in the region while pursuing its own strategic priorities. He argued that speaking with one’s own voice is essential to maintaining strategic autonomy and credibility on the world stage.
The reference to notable moments in Polish history, including leadership under former presidents and key regional events, underscores the continuity of Poland’s approach: practical self-reliance paired with active cooperation with allies to strengthen national and regional security.
There is no peace at all costs
In the online portion of the discussion, Szczerski highlighted an upcoming UN resolution and important events at the UN Forum. He explained that a General Assembly debate and a resolution would address the principle that peace cannot be achieved at any price. He noted that the Security Council would also review these issues, with Poland represented by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Zbigniew Rau.
The central aim of these meetings, he explained, is to advocate for peace while ensuring that the path to peace does not ignore accountability and security. The argument presented is that ending aggression requires a proportional response: ceasefire terms that allow for genuine resolution rather than temporary stabilization that leaves the aggressor in control. Szczerski warned that failure to demand accountability could leave Russia and its allies able to exploit Ukrainian vulnerabilities and prolong regional instability.
He presented a contrast: those who call for peace at any price versus those who insist that true peace requires the aggressor to concede and repay the damage caused. The thread running through his remarks is that the international community must pursue a fair and durable resolution, one that does not concede ground to aggression but protects the security of Ukraine and its citizens.
In closing, Szczerski reinforced the message that Poland will continue to advocate for a principled approach in New York and beyond, standing firm in support of international law and collective security while pursuing a future in which aggression is checked and deterrence remains robust.