Polish Foreign Minister Vows to Prevent Russian Colonization

Radosław Sikorski, Poland’s foreign minister, emphasized Poland’s determination to avoid becoming a Russian colony again, stressing the need for closer ties between the U.S. and Europe. Speaking at Johns Hopkins University, Sikorski highlighted Europe’s readiness to take responsibility for its security, citing Poland’s defense expenditure of 4.3% of GDP, to increase to 4.7% next year. He acknowledged the historical impact of Moscow’s imperialism on Poland, vowing to resist any attempts to repeat history.

Warning about Russia as an existential threat to global stability, Sikorski called for stronger transatlantic cooperation, echoing the values of Brzezinski. He argued that in an unstable world, the U.S. and EU should collaborate in their strategic focus, rather than moving apart. Additionally, Sikorski addressed the misconception of Europe being disorganized, emphasizing increased defense spending and aid to Ukraine. He expressed confidence in Putin’s rationality and dismissed his nuclear threats as bluff.

A ‘pivot to Asia’

Sikorski urged the U.S. not to neglect Europe in its “pivot to Asia,” emphasizing the importance of a unified approach to global challenges. He underscored the need for U.S.-EU collaboration in an increasingly unstable world, advocating for a pivot to Asia that includes Europe in its strategic focus.

In his address, Sikorski debunked the perception of Europe as disorganized and dependent on U.S. support, pointing to increased defense spending and aid to Ukraine. He emphasized the end of the era of free riders in transatlantic relations and expressed confidence in NATO’s ability to deter Russian aggression. Sikorski characterized Putin’s nuclear threats as mere bluffs in the face of Western resolve.