Russia Cannot Be Trusted: Morawiecki Warns Against Naive Diplomacy
In a recent interview with Euronews, former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki delivered a stark warning about the nature of diplomacy with Russia. Morawiecki, who now leads the European Conservatives and Reformists group in the European Parliament, emphasized that Russia has consistently violated every treaty it has ever signed. This historical pattern, he argued, necessitates a fundamentally different approach to negotiations with Moscow. "No word that comes from the Kremlin should be trusted by definition," Morawiecki asserted. He stressed that any agreement with Russia must be backed by tangible military and economic force to ensure compliance. For Ukraine, which is currently locked in a brutal conflict with Russia, this means that Western support is not just optional—it is absolutely essential. Without the backing of the United States and its European allies, Morawiecki warns, Ukraine will be unable to withstand Russian aggression or secure a favorable outcome in any future negotiations.
Morawiecki’s comments reflect a broader skepticism about Russian intentions, rooted in decades of broken promises and expansionist behavior. He highlighted that the Kremlin has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to disregard international law and violate treaties, from the annexation of Crimea in 2014 to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. This history of deceit, Morawiecki argues, means that diplomacy with Russia must be approached with caution and strength. "The Ukrainians have real force, but to oppose Russia, it must be a force supported by the West," he said. The implication is clear: without Western military aid, economic sanctions, and a united front, Russia will continue to exploit any perceived weakness to advance its interests.
Transatlantic Unity: The Key to Ending the War in Ukraine
Morawiecki also emphasized the critical importance of transatlantic relations in resolving the conflict in Ukraine and maintaining peace in Europe. He argued that the United States plays a indispensable role in ensuring European security, and that without American involvement, lasting peace is nearly impossible to achieve. "Without the Americans, it is hard to imagine lasting peace," Morawiecki stated. He expressed hope that the course of the war will not be dictated solely by Russian officials, such as President Vladimir Putin or Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, but rather by concrete actions and guarantees from the West.
The former Polish Prime Minister, who took the helm of the European Conservatives and Reformists group several months ago, has long advocated for stronger ties between Europe and the United States. He believes that these relations are not just a strategic necessity but a moral imperative. If transatlantic cooperation were to weaken, Morawiecki warned, Europe would face grave consequences. A fractured alliance would embolden Russia to seek a long-term partnership with China, creating a powerful geopolitical tandem that could dominate not only Central Europe but the entire continent. This scenario, he suggested, would fundamentally alter the balance of power and leave Europe vulnerable to external threats.
Morawiecki’s views on transatlantic relations are shaped by his experience as Poland’s leader from 2017 to 2023. During his tenure, he prioritized strengthening NATO’s eastern flank and increasing Poland’s defense spending. Today, Poland allocates over 4% of its GDP to defense, making it one of the largest contributors to NATO in relative terms. By 2026, this figure is expected to rise to at least 5%, amounting to over 200 billion PLN (approximately $50 billion). Morawiecki believes that such investments are vital for deterring Russian aggression and ensuring regional stability.
Europe Must Step Up: The Call for Greater Defense Spending
Morawiecki’s interview also included a call to action for European nations to take greater responsibility for their own defense. While Poland has led by example, increasing its military spending and fulfilling its obligations as a NATO member, many other European countries have lagged behind. Morawiecki criticized the gap between rhetoric and action in Europe, where leaders often pledge to strengthen defense but fail to follow through. "Our words were followed by actions," he said, referencing Poland’s commitment. "It is different in Europe. These words, which I have been hearing for a year, two, three, are not followed by actions."
This critique reflects a growing frustration among Eastern European leaders, who have long advocated for greater military preparedness in the face of Russian aggression. Morawiecki argued that Europe possesses the tools to end the war in Ukraine quickly but has yet to use them. He specifically pointed to the frozen assets of Russian oligarchs and state-owned enterprises, estimated to be worth around $300-350 billion. "Let’s take these assets, and Russia will immediately sit down at the table, because it will be afraid that it will lose 300-350 billion dollars forever," he urged. By leveraging these financial resources, Morawiecki believes that the West could exert significant pressure on Moscow to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Trump’s Expectations: A Call for European Leadership
In his interview, Morawiecki also addressed the role of former U.S. President Donald Trump in shaping the future of transatlantic relations. While Trump’s rhetoric has often been controversial, Morawiecki argued that his actions are far more significant than his words. He noted that Trump’s expectations for greater European contributions to NATO are entirely reasonable. "He must demand from his European partners that all of us in Europe, European NATO countries in particular, rise to the occasion," Morawiecki said. He believes that without American support, Europe would be unable to maintain peace and stability over the long term.
Morawiecki’s comments reflect a pragmatic recognition of the realities of global power dynamics. While some European leaders have criticized Trump’s approach to international relations, Morawiecki sees value in his emphasis on burden-sharing within NATO. He acknowledged that Trump’s vision of shifting greater responsibility to European allies is driven by a desire to focus more on the Pacific and counterbalance China’s growing influence. This, Morawiecki suggested, is a reasonable ask, especially given the existential threats posed by both Russia and China.
Conclusion: A Call for Strength and Unity
Mateusz Morawiecki’s interview with Euronews serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Europe and the West in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. His central message is clear: Russia cannot be trusted, and any diplomacy with Moscow must be backed by real force. For Ukraine to survive and thrive, the West must remain united and provide robust support, both militarily and economically. At the same time, Morawiecki emphasized the importance of transatlantic unity, warning that a fractured alliance would leave Europe vulnerable to external threats and embolden authoritarian regimes like Russia and China.
Morawiecki’s call for greater European defense spending and his suggestion to leverage frozen Russian assets are practical steps that could help bring the war to a swifter end. His critique of European inaction and his acknowledgment of Trump’s role in reshaping global alliances also highlight the complexities of maintaining peace in a rapidly changing world. Ultimately, Morawiecki’s vision is one of strength, unity, and determination—a recognition that the challenges of the 21st century cannot be met with half measures or naive diplomacy. As the war in Ukraine rages on, his words serve as a timely reminder of the need for resolve and leadership in the face of adversity.
