Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki commented on Vladimir Putin’s decision to recognize the separatist ‘people’s republics’ in the Donbas by Russia. He called that an act of aggression against Ukraine must be met with an unequivocal response in the form of immediate sanctions. President Andrzej Duda and the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs assessed the situation in a similar way.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on the recognition of the independence of the separatist “people’s republics” in the Donbas on Monday.

Morawiecki wrote on Twitter: “The decision to recognise the self-proclaimed ‘republics’ is a final rejection of dialogue and a flagrant violation of international law. This is an act of aggression against Ukraine, which must be met with an unequivocal response in the form of immediate sanctions,” He added that he was calling for an urgent meeting of the European Council on this matter.

On Monday night, government spokesman Piotr Müller announced that the prime minister had talked with the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. He told her that it was Polish expectation that the sanctions against Russia would be far-reaching, which would prevent further aggressive actions by Russia.

President Andrzej Duda also commented on the situation in Ukraine. He emphasized that in a situation where the president of Russia undermines the order of Europe, established at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, there is a need for great unity and a firm attitude by NATO, the EU and the countries of the region.

“Only a tough position and political protection of Ukraine can stop the aggressor. Sanctions – immediately”, appealed the president on Twitter.

Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak also spoke about the sanctions against Russia on Tuesday. “We expect serious, non-symbolic sanctions against Russia. Only serious sanctions can stop the reconstruction of the Russian Empire by Vladimir Putin”, said the head of the Ministry of National Defense.

The statement in connection with the decision of the Russian president was also issued by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MSZ).

“Poland and its allies will take all necessary steps which are legal under the rules of international law to support the territorial integrity of Ukraine. The aggression by the Russian side will be met with a resolute and far-reaching reaction from the international community, including grave political and economic sanctions”, informs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the gov.pl website.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński