Poland's President Andrzej Duda has vigorously opposed any restoration of Russian gas supplies to Europe, emphasizing economic and security threats posed by such actions.
Poland's President Calls for Permanent End to Russian Gas Supplies
Poland's President Calls for Permanent End to Russian Gas Supplies
Duda emphasizes dismantling of Nord Stream pipelines to deter future dependence on Russian energy.
Polish President Andrzej Duda has made a firm statement at the World Economic Forum in Davos, arguing that gas supplies from Russia to Western Europe should permanently cease, even if a peace deal is reached between Russia and Ukraine. He specifically called for the dismantling of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, which have remained inactive since 2022, to prevent countries like Germany from resuming energy imports that could aid their struggling economies. “I can only hope that European leaders will learn lessons from Russia's aggression against Ukraine and resolve to never restore the pumping of gas through this pipeline," Duda stated.
The Nord Stream pipelines, constructed by Russia's Gazprom, run from Russia to northern Germany. Nord Stream 1 was shut down in 2022, while Nord Stream 2 has not been activated due to the ongoing conflict following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The president's remarks come in the wake of rising gas prices across Europe, coupled with calls from Germany's far-right AfD party for the pipelines to resume operations ahead of the upcoming federal elections in late February.
Duda highlighted that operational Nord Stream pipelines pose a significant threat not only to Ukraine but also to Poland, Slovakia, and broader Central Europe. "It is a threat from the point of view of energy, military, and an economic threat due to the potential domination of Russia over Europe," he warned.
As discussions rise regarding a potential resolution between Ukraine and Russia with U.S. President Donald Trump taking office, Duda insisted that any peace negotiations must include Ukraine's participation. "I'm speaking from my capacity as the president of Poland, a neighbor to Ukraine," he explained. He drew historical parallels to World War II and the Yalta Conference, where Poland's interests were neglected.
Duda condemned the notion that Russia should retain any occupied Ukrainian territories as an international crime and stated, "We must not let Russia win this war." He expressed optimism about Trump’s leadership, recognizing the vital role the U.S. plays within NATO and the importance of its involvement in seeking peace in the region.
In closing, Duda noted, "I am waiting peacefully for the first steps that will be taken by Donald Trump."
