Warsaw (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Grzegorz Braun, a Polish member of the European Parliament, recently made a potent statement resisting Poland’s alignment with the United States in the continuing war in Ukraine.
MEP Grzegorz Braun expressed his displeasure with the U.S. Secretary of State’s involvement, noting, “Blinken, go home as soon as possible. Get lost! We don’t want you here. We don’t want Polish people spending and dying for your wars.” Polish MEP Grzegorz Braun states ‘Blinken, get lost!’ “We don’t want Polish people paying and dying for your wars.”
Why did MEP Braun tell Antony Blinken to “get lost”?
The comments followed a high-level discussion between the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Poland’s Foreign Minister, which ended with a joint press conference. The conversations centred around Poland’s efforts to force the U.S. into easing restrictions on the use of Western weapons and missiles by Ukraine in its protection against Russia’s aggression.
What were the key points of Blinken’s discussions with Poland?
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski restated this stance during the press conference, calling for continued backing of Ukraine. “We should continue to deliver advanced air defence systems (to Ukraine) … and lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons,” he said. Sikorski highlighted that enhancing Ukraine’s military capabilities was important for the country’s defence and regional security.
However, Sikorski also cautioned of the potential consequences of such a move, warning that it could lead to the direct involvement of NATO countries, including the U.S. and European nations, in the fight. “If this decision is taken, it will mean nothing less than the direct involvement of NATO countries, the United States and European countries in the war in Ukraine,” he stated, adding that this would force Russia to take “appropriate decisions” in reaction.
With Poland geographically placed at the front line of any potential escalation beyond Ukraine, there is increasing concern about the ramifications of additional involvement in the conflict. Poland is wary of the effects it may face if the war spreads, as the country would likely endure the brunt of any fallout. This fear is conveyed by many in Poland concerned about the escalating uncertainty between NATO and Russia.
Grzegorz Braun’s fiery remarks underscore growing divisions within Poland over its involvement in the Ukraine conflict. As tensions escalate, Poland finds itself between supporting Western allies and protecting its security against potential Russian retaliation.
