Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said that a Russian attack on NATO would be “crazy,” but noted that Moscow’s decision to launch its war against Ukraine could hardly be described as rational either.
“It would be crazy for Putin to attack NATO. I mean, our GDP is 25 times bigger than Russia’s. But was it wise to attack Ukraine?” Sikorski said.
The Polish foreign minister stressed that Poland has centuries of experience confronting Russia.
“We have been fighting the Russians since before the United States existed. And if they attack us, we’re not going to give up,” he said.
Sikorski also referred to the history of Polish-Russian relations, saying that Moscow has traditionally sought to portray its military actions as protecting other peoples or minorities.
“You see, Russia never invades. It didn’t invade Poland in the 18th century. It didn’t invade Poland with Nazi Germany in 1939. Russia always ‘comes to the assistance of embattled national minorities.’ But it’s bullshit,” Sikorski said.
According to him, Russia has the right to raise concerns about the protection of minority rights, but this cannot justify the use of military force.
“The Russians are in their right to demand respect for minority rights, but it doesn’t give you the right to send in tanks and ballistic missiles,” he stressed.
Sikorski also said that Warsaw and Washington are discussing the possibility of establishing a second U.S. military base in Poland, which could host a brigade-sized force.
“You cannot invade Russia with one brigade. The Wehrmacht tried with 200 divisions, and they failed. We want the kind of U.S. presence that would reassure us but not be threatening to Russia,” the Polish foreign minister said.
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