Nato invitation, faster EU talks vital for Ukraine; Trump to seek solutions, India crucial for post-war recovery: Polish delegation head

NEW DELHI: An open Nato invitation and speeding up EU negotiations are the only ways to ensure Ukraine’s long-term security guarantees in the face of Russian aggression, according to visiting chairman of Poland’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee, Pawel Kowal. Poland has hosted one of the largest numbers of Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of the full-scale Ukraine war that will soon mark three years. “In 2022 after the Russian aggression began, almost 9 million people from Ukraine crossed the border into Poland. Polish society accepted them with open arms. I call this Poland’s humanitarian uprising,” says Kowal.

As per Kowal, Poland is clear that Russia will try to attack other countries in Nato if given a chance. “This is why Ukraine’s security is linked to Central Europe’s security. We can’t give Putin additional time to attack Central Europe,” Kowal asserts. Asked if US President Trump’s transactional approach will undermine support for Ukraine or destabilise the European order, Kowal disagreed. “Trump is a real American politician and he will look for a solution – which in US internal politics will not be seen as surrender to Putin. We shouldn’t go by his rhetoric alone. We have to look for his real policy. For example, his statements on Greenland and Panama Canal should not be taken literally but rather understood as security concerns in the Arctic region and apprehensions about China’s influence in Panama. Finding solutions to these will actually strengthen our Trans-Atlantic Alliance.”

Talking about India’s position and New Delhi-Warsaw ties, Kowal praised India’s principled approach on advocating peaceful solutions to international conflict. “PM Modi’s historic visit to Poland in 2024 elevated our relations to strategic partnership. We need India after the end of the Ukraine war. India can have an important role to play in Ukraine’s recovery. And given Poland’s role as a key logistical and transport hub in the region, Warsaw-New Delhi cooperation in this direction is only natural.”