Polish Foreign Minister Declares Defiant Speech in Parliament: "Russia, You Shall Never Reign Here Once More"
Poland's Foreign Minister, Radosław Sikorski, delivered a powerful speech to the Sejm (Polish parliament) in 2025, outlining the country's assertive foreign policy stance towards Russia. The address, which emphasised safety, sovereignty, and leadership, reflected a firm commitment to reinforcing Poland's defence posture and maintaining independence from external threats.
Sikorski's speech came at a time of intense domestic and geopolitical debate in Poland, with the presidential election approaching in May 2025. Nevertheless, he expressed unwavering support for Poland's foreign policy priorities, which are centred on ensuring safety, sovereignty, and leadership.
The foreign minister's remarks echoed memories of Russian and Soviet rule over Poland and its neighbours, serving as a stark reminder of the past and the need to be vigilant in the face of potential threats. Sikorski's words reflected growing concern among Polish leaders over Russian military ambitions and hybrid threats in Central and Eastern Europe.
Sikorski's speech also reflected a broader regional concern over Russian hybrid warfare in Central and Eastern Europe. He called for continued military and financial support for Ukraine, stating that the outcome of the war would shape Europe's security architecture. Sikorski argued that Russia's historical claims to other Slavic nations are selective and ahistorical.
In addition to his condemnation of Russian imperialism, Sikorski reaffirmed Poland's commitment to multilateralism and international law. He underscored the need for the EU to remain united on sanctions against Russia and to increase its strategic autonomy. Sikorski emphasised the importance of unity within the West in maintaining regional security.
Poland has been a key player in shaping the future of European security, having modernised its own military at an unprecedented pace. The country has also provided substantial humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. Furthermore, Poland has hosted millions of Ukrainian refugees and has been a strong advocate for EU enlargement.
Sikorski's final message, "Never again," was a warning to Russia and a promise to Poland's allies about Poland's commitment to defending democracy, sovereignty, and European security. He provided estimates of the human and economic cost of Russia's war in Ukraine, stating that it has cost Russia at least $200 billion and led to nearly one million Russian casualties.
In conclusion, Poland's foreign policy under Sikorski's leadership remains vigilant and proactive, advocating for robust national and alliance responses to Russian actions. The country's stance towards Russia is a testament to its commitment to maintaining security and independence in the region.
- Sikorski's speech to the Sejm in 2025 emphasized the importance of maintaining Poland's independence from external threats, especially in relation to Russia.
- The foreign minister's remarks echoed memories of Russia's past rule over Poland and highlighted the need for vigilance in the face of potential threats.
- Sikorski called for continued support for Ukraine, stating that the outcome of the war would shape Europe's security architecture, and argued against Russia's selective and ahistorical claims to other Slavic nations.
- Sikorski reaffirmed Poland's commitment to multilateralism and international law, urging the EU to remain united on sanctions against Russia and to increase its strategic autonomy.
- Poland, under Sikorski's leadership, has been active in shaping the future of European security, modernizing its own military, providing aid to Ukraine, and hosting millions of Ukrainian refugees.
- In his final message, "Never again," Sikorski warned Russia about Poland's commitment to defending democracy, sovereignty, and European security, providing estimates of the human and economic cost of Russia's war in Ukraine.
