Polish President Karol Nawrocki unleashed on Germany over unpaid war reparations, but has come up with a solution that would help Poland defend against Russia.
During his New Year’s meeting with the Diplomatic Corps, Polish President Karol Nawrocki addressed the issue of war reparations, expressing hope that “a solution to unresolved issues relating to the past will be found.”
“Beyond legal responsibility, there are moral, political, and financial responsibilities, which are not subject to a statute of limitations. More than 80 years after the end of World War II, the German reparations debt to Poland has not been repaid. I extend my hand of cooperation,” he told those gathered, according to wPolityce, adding that he is “hoping for a reciprocal approach.”
Nawrocki recalled that during his visit to Berlin last year, he presented specific proposals regarding reparations, focused on Germany making military contributions to Poland to help it defend NATO’s eastern flank.
“Germany’s growing defense spending could be used to purchase state-of-the-art equipment, including American equipment, which would then be transferred to Poland. As a key country on NATO’s eastern flank, my country stabilizes the region’s security, including Germany’s security,” he said.
Security was front and center during his speech at the event. “War, or at least a constant sense of threat, is brutally invading our daily lives,” he said.
“We find ourselves at a moment in world history where security is constantly being tested, and peace is not guaranteed once and for all,” he continued, shifting to directly calling out Russia as the constant aggressor.
“In 2008, Russia attacked Georgia, in 2014 annexed Crimea, and began hostilities in the Donbas. Next month will mark four years since Russia launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine,” he said.
Nawrocki was clear regarding the continuous threat posed by Russia and underlined that this is why he will support all actions that can ensure a “lasting and just peace.”
“Our historical experience confirms the truth that whether Russia is tsarist, white, or red, its goal is always the desire for conquest. This has remained unchanged for centuries, which is why I have supported and will continue to support efforts that can lead to a lasting and just peace and ensure Europe’s security.”
The Polish president assured that as the Supreme Commander of the Polish Armed Forces, he will continue to support activities aimed at the effective modernization of the Polish army and the development of its defense potential, adding that any peace agreement must be made cautiously and that the country, and all of Europe, must not underestimate Putin’s ambitions.
“We should not succumb to the arguments that if some form of agreement is signed to end the current phase of Russian aggression against Ukraine, Russia will abandon its expansionist policy. No, it will not. On the contrary, from the first day of peace, it will begin preparing for a new aggression, this time under more favorable political and economic circumstances. Only force, understood as increased defense capabilities of all allies, and our unity can contain and deter Russia.”
“I will mobilize the countries of the region, as well as our more distant allies, to make joint decisions that will effectively deter and discourage Russia from continuing its aggressive, neo-imperial policies. Peace in Europe and the secure development of our countries are at stake,” Nawrocki concluded.
