Poland's Strong Stance: No Return to Russian Gas Supplies Even Amid Peace Talks

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Polish President Andrzej Duda emphasized the importance of permanently halting gas supplies from Russia to Western Europe, regardless of any potential peace agreements between Russia and Ukraine. He called for the dismantling of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, which have been inactive since 2022, to prevent countries like Germany from reviving Russian energy supplies in an attempt to stabilize their economies. Duda highlighted the potential security and economic threats these pipelines pose not just to Ukraine, but to neighboring Central European nations.

He reiterated the effectiveness of economic sanctions against Russia and urged European leaders to resist returning to business as usual with the aggressor, especially in light of Germany’s political climate and the upcoming federal elections. Duda warned that reestablishing gas flows could lead to Russian dominance over Europe.

Reflecting on historical injustices faced by Poland during World War II, he stressed that any peace talks involving Ukraine must include Ukrainian representation, underscoring a violation of international law if Russia retains its occupied Ukrainian territories. He criticized the current stance of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who demands recognition of territorial gains in Ukraine and opposes Ukraine’s NATO membership. Duda remains hopeful that U.S. involvement under President Donald Trump can play a crucial role in addressing the situation.