Poland warns of consequences for Russia in event of Nato attack

NEW DELHI: Poland’s foreign minister Radosław Sikorski has delivered a stark warning regarding potential Russian aggression towards Nato member states. During an interview with the German newspaper Bild, Sikorski discussed the historical context and current geopolitical tensions, emphasizing the serious repercussions Russia would face should it decide to attack Poland or any Nato member.
Sikorski’s comments come against a backdrop of increasing threats from Russian officials about the possibility of strikes on Nato countries, particularly in response to their support of Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. This tension is further underscored by incidents during the war, such as Russian cruise missiles entering Polish airspace during attacks on western Ukraine.
The Polish minister was unequivocal about the outcomes of any such aggression from Russia: “Poland ‘wouldn’t be surprised at all’ if Russia attacks, but it will ultimately lose because it is much weaker than the West,” Sikorski stated. He continued, “Russia has attacked Poland many times in the 500 years of our history. But in this scenario, Russia will lose, because we, the West, are far more powerful than Russia.”
Sikorski also highlighted the critical situation in Ukraine, drawing parallels with historical events: “We have a choice: either we have a defeated Russian army outside the borders of Ukraine or a victorious Russian army on the border with Poland. And what Putin would do then is what Hitler did with Czechoslovakia; he would take the industry and the people in Ukraine and mobilize them to keep going. It is better to stop Putin in Ukraine, 500 to 700 kilometers [310 to 435 miles] east of here.”
Meanwhile, Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, have publicly dismissed the notion that Russia intends to attack any Nato member. Putin labeled such suggestions as “sheer nonsense,” and Shoigu asserted, “The Russian Federation has never threatened Nato. We have neither geopolitical nor military interests to attack the states of the bloc. We are simply protecting our people in our historical territories.”
The contrast between Nato’s vigilance and Russia’s denials illustrates the complex and often tense dynamics that continue to characterize the international relations landscape in Eastern Europe. As the situation evolves, the global community remains watchful of any developments that could lead to shifts in the regional power balance or the broader security environment.