Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that sanctions are the only possible way to dismantle Putin’s war machine in a peaceful manner. At a briefing before his departure to London, the head of government announced that he would talk to European leaders about cutting off Russia from financing from oil and gas.

Morawiecki is visiting Great Britain and Norway on Tuesday, March 8. He is going to talk there about strengthening NATO’s eastern flank and about further sanctions against Russia.

Polish Prime Minister stressed that in order to be effective, the sanction must be strong, decisive and tight. One that will impact Russia.

“Vladimir Putin, the Russians are murdering innocent people, let’s destroy his war machine that allows him to murder Ukrainians. This is our primary goal”, said Morawiecki, calling also for an end to gas and oil trade between Russia and Europe.

The Prime Minister promised to talk about cutting off Russia from financing by oil and gas sales that can be replaced in other countries.

In this context, Morawiecki referred to gas pipeline projects in Europe. “Just like Nord Stream 2 was a symbol of the weakness of the West, the Baltic Pipe constructed by Poland from Norway is a symbol of Poland’s sovereignty, independence from Russia, from gas blackmail, that was an instrument allowing Putin to launch a war machine.

The Prime Minister also assured Ukrainians that the reconstruction of Ukraine would be carried out with the great participation of the European Union.

The European Commission will provide Poland with EUR 500 million to help refugees. Asked if it is a sufficient amount, Morawiecki replied that it was not enough, but this was the beginning and other aid offers come from all over the world.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński