In brief
In a stark warning at the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Andrzej Duda of Poland emphasized the need to permanently halt Russian gas supply to Western Europe, reflecting concerns over national security and economic stability amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a conversation with the BBC, President Duda asserted that gas flows from Russia should never resume, even in the event of a peace agreement reached between Russia and Ukraine. He underscored the importance of dismantling the Nord Stream gas pipelines, which have been inactive since 2022, arguing that this would deter countries like Germany from resuming Russian gas supplies under economic pressure. "I can only hope that European leaders will learn lessons from Russia's aggression against Ukraine," Duda stated, urging for a unified decision to permanently cease the use of these pipelines. The Nord Stream pipelines, built by Gazprom, connect Russia to Germany and have been at the center of energy security discussions in Europe since the invasion of Ukraine, which led to soaring gas prices across the continent. Despite the operational shutdown, there have been calls from far-right political groups in Germany to reactivate these pipes, highlighting the delicate balance between energy needs and political posturing. Duda classified the Nord Stream pipelines as a threat, not only to Poland and Ukraine but to Central Europe as well. He argued that resuming Russian gas imports poses significant military and economic risks, potentially allowing Russia to dominate European energy markets. On the broader implications of the Ukrainian conflict, Duda contended that any peace negotiations must include Ukraine’s participation, emphasizing historical precedents that left his country out of critical conversations post-World War II. He condemned any possibility of Russia retaining occupied Ukrainian territories, which he termed a violation of international law. "The international community cannot agree... This is unacceptable," he asserted. Duda acknowledged the crucial role of U.S. leadership in NATO, especially under President Donald Trump, in addressing these regional tensions and supporting Ukraine. "I am waiting peacefully for the first steps which will be taken by Donald Trump," he said, expressing optimism for U.S. engagement in resolving the conflict. He concluded with a firm stance: "We must not let Russia win this war," highlighting the resolute position of Poland and its commitment to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing challenges in the region.
