WARSAW, Poland — On Monday, President Andrzej Duda commemorated Poland’s Independence Day with an appeal for ongoing U.S. support for European security, emphasizing the need to address Russian aggression in the region. He also asserted that Ukraine should reclaim its borders as they existed before 2014.
Duda’s remarks came as Poland celebrated the 106th anniversary of its regained independence, a momentous occasion that followed over a century of partitions and control by empires including Russia, Germany, and Austro-Hungary. The significance of this day resonates deeply within a nation that still grapples with the historical loss of sovereignty. For many, this translates into a desire for a robust nation-state that retains its independence against the influence of the European Union and other global organizations.
In Warsaw, large crowds gathered for a march organized by nationalist groups, a gathering that has previously witnessed instances of violence. Organizers reported an attendance of about 100,000 participants. Police intervened by detaining 75 individuals and confiscating prohibited items from the crowd, including fireworks, knives, telescopic batons, and brass knuckles.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is a pressing concern for many Polish citizens, alongside anticipation regarding the potential implications of President-elect Donald Trump’s forthcoming term on regional security. There are worries that Trump may reconsider U.S. support for NATO or pursue negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which could have dire consequences for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and encourage further Russian military aggression toward neighboring countries. Conversely, some believe that Trump could possess the necessary influence to persuade Putin to halt the conflict.
Duda, who has warmly engaged with Trump in the past, remarked during his speech in Warsaw on the continued necessity of U.S. protection for Europe. “It is a misbelief that Europe can secure itself in today’s world,” he stated. He underscored the critical importance of U.S. security assurances during a period marked by a resurgence of Russian imperial ambitions.
“Today, we are certain that reinforcing Euro-Atlantic connections is vital for the security of both Europe and the broader world,” Duda asserted. He further noted, “If we stand united and responsible, peace will endure in our part of Europe, allowing us to navigate through historical challenges while ensuring the longevity of an independent and sovereign Republic of Poland.”
In conclusion, Duda insisted that the territorial integrity of all nations, particularly Ukraine, must be upheld, advocating for Ukraine to revert to its borders as they existed prior to the Russian invasions, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion that began in 2022.