Poland's Duda Urges Permanent Halt to Russian Gas Supplies Amid Peace Talks

President Andrzej Duda voiced strong opposition to resuming Russian gas supplies to Western Europe during a World Economic Forum interview, stating that the Nord Stream pipelines should be dismantled to thwart economic dependence on Russia, while emphasizing the necessity for Ukraine's involvement in any peace talks.

Poland's President Andrzej Duda has warned against the prospect of restarting gas flows from Russia to Western Europe, asserting that such actions should not occur even if a peace agreement is reached between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking to the BBC at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Duda advocated for the dismantling of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, which remain inactive since 2022. He expressed concern that countries like Germany might feel pressured to resume Russian gas imports to support their own economies.

Duda articulated his hopes for European leaders to derive lessons from Russia's aggressive actions towards Ukraine and to collectively commit to never reinstating the flow of gas through the Nord Stream pipelines. The politically charged situation escalated in 2022 when both Nord Stream 1 and 2 were compromised and subsequently ceased operations. With upcoming federal elections in Germany, Duda cautioned against the influence of parties suggesting a revival of gas supplies from these pipelines.

Calling the Nord Stream infrastructure a significant threat to Poland, Ukraine, Slovakia, and other Central European nations, Duda highlighted the dangers posed from energy dependency and potential military implications. He expressed that allowing Russia to maintain control over occupied Ukrainian territories would represent a blatant violation of international law and could further establish Russian dominance over Europe.

Reflecting on historical injustices, Duda urged that Ukraine’s participation is crucial in any negotiations regarding the conflict. He recalled the post-World War II era and stressed that no agreements should be made without recognizing Ukraine's sovereignty. He criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for his unwillingness to accept Ukraine's right to join NATO and the ongoing conflict that has been festering since the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

In conclusion, Duda underscored the importance of U.S. engagement in the NATO alliance, indicating that President Donald Trump’s understanding of the region would be vital for addressing the conflict and ensuring that Russia does not triumph in its territorial ambitions.