By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Polish President Karol Nawrocki emphasized that any peace plan to end the war in Ukraine, instigated by the Russian Federation, must be approved by Kyiv. He asserted that Ukraine, as the victim of Russian aggression, deserves the decisive voice in peace negotiations, supported by the US and EU. Furthermore, Nawrocki highlighted that proposals for peace must consider Russia’s history of disregarding agreements. Ultimately, any peace agreement must not concede to the aggressor’s strategic objectives.
Read the original article here
Polish president: Fulfilment of aggressor’s goals cannot be the price of peace in Ukraine, a position underscored by Poland’s unique historical perspective. Poland, along with the Baltic states, possesses a deeply ingrained understanding of the Russian threat, a comprehension rooted in shared historical experiences. This insight makes their perspective on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine crucial, and their concerns should be heeded with utmost seriousness. The idea of a “peace plan” that essentially surrenders Ukrainian territory to appease the aggressor is not just misguided; it is a dangerous form of blackmail.
The so-called “peace plan,” which essentially demands Ukraine cede territory, is a thinly veiled attempt to legitimize aggression, not a genuine path to peace. It leaves Ukraine vulnerable and defenseless, setting the stage for further aggression. This strategy, sadly, reflects a larger trend of eroding trust on the international stage. Any plan that rewards an aggressor with territorial gains, under the guise of peace, is fundamentally flawed. It emboldens further aggression, guaranteeing more bloodshed and instability. This is not a solution but a recipe for future conflict.
Poland’s stance on this issue stems from a profound understanding of how aggressors operate. They recognize the “salami tactics” – the gradual taking of territory, piece by piece, followed by a supposed peace agreement designed only to give the aggressor time to regroup and rearm. The current situation echoes this historical pattern. If the West concedes to “land for peace,” it will inadvertently be subsidizing Russia’s rearmament, setting the stage for a future, even more destructive, round of conflict. Such a deal would essentially demand Ukraine’s surrender and ensure it is ill-prepared for future aggression.
Trump’s so-called “Art of the Deal” in this context is completely unviable. Rewarding aggression will only fuel it. For Poland, this position is non-negotiable. They understand that appeasement only emboldens aggressors, while strength, economic pressure, and a firm stance against such blatant aggression are the only paths to a lasting peace. They’ve lived through the devastating consequences of appeasement and have no intention of repeating those mistakes.
The historical parallels are stark. Appeasement policies in the past, leading up to World War II, only fueled the aggression they were intended to prevent. A similar plan today, advocating a surrender that rewards Russia’s actions, would be a catastrophic error, guaranteeing further destabilization. Poland’s perspective is clear: a just peace can only be achieved if it is grounded in Ukraine’s terms. True peace requires crippling Russia both economically and militarily, not rewarding them for their actions.
The notion that an aggressor’s demands can be the basis for peace is a dangerous delusion. It is a delusion that Poland, having firsthand experience with the brutality of aggression, refuses to entertain. This approach is not a viable strategy but merely a continuation of conflict, potentially on a larger scale.
The recent American actions, particularly surrounding the withdrawal from Afghanistan, highlight the concerns. Though some attempted to deflect blame, it is the initial withdrawal from the country that set the stage for the collapse of the Afghan government. While the final chaotic moments were unavoidable, the core decision was made by the former administration.
The focus should remain on supporting Ukraine in its fight for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Any plan that allows Russia to achieve its goals in Ukraine is not a pathway to peace; it’s a surrender, a betrayal of the values of freedom and democracy. It is a shameful time for anyone who stands for freedom and democracy to pretend to support it. The only way to ensure a lasting peace is to make it clear that aggression will not be rewarded and that Ukraine’s right to self-determination must be respected.