Poland reaction to Harris/ Poland fears Russian expansion/ Harris Ukraine warning/ Newslooks/ WARSAW/ Poland/ Vice President Kamala Harris’ remarks during a debate, warning that Poland could be Russia’s next target if Ukraine loses the war, have struck a chord in Poland. Her comments resonate with many Poles who fear Russian expansion. Former President Donald Trump’s refusal to back Ukraine’s victory has fueled concerns, with some in Poland dismissing his claims of ending the war easily.
Harris’ Ukraine Warning Resonates in Poland: Quick Looks
- Harris’ Warning: Harris suggested that if Ukraine falls, Poland could be next in Russia’s sights, intensifying concerns in Poland.
- Trump’s Stance: Trump refused to directly state he wanted Ukraine to win, claiming he could end the war quickly.
- Polish Reaction: Many Poles see Harris’ comments as a reflection of their own fears about Russian aggression.
- Debate Coverage: The debate was widely covered in Polish media, with many praising Harris’ strong stance.
- Mixed Opinions: Polish Americans in Pennsylvania had divided reactions to the debate, reflecting both fear and support for Trump’s stance.
Harris Warns Poland Could Be Next if Ukraine Falls, Resonating with Poles
Deep Look
In the aftermath of the U.S. presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris’ warning that Poland could be at risk if Ukraine falls to Russia has struck a nerve in Poland. Her comments underscored the ever-present fear among Poles about Russian aggression, especially given the country’s geographic proximity to the conflict and historical experiences with occupation.
During the debate, Harris pointedly suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin, if victorious in Ukraine, would have his eyes set on the rest of Europe, starting with Poland. Her remarks were directed toward former President Donald Trump, who refused to say clearly whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war. Instead, Trump claimed he could swiftly end the conflict, promising, “I will get it settled before I even become president.”
This claim did little to reassure many Poles, including Wanda Kwiatkowska, a 75-year-old Warsaw resident. Kwiatkowska, whose family has both Polish and Ukrainian roots, dismissed Trump’s promises as “just empty words,” pointing out that the complexity of the war could not be resolved so easily.
Poland, a NATO member of 38 million people, sits at the crossroads of Europe, sharing borders with both Russia’s Kaliningrad region and Russian ally Belarus. The ongoing war in Ukraine has had significant effects on Poland, from the influx of Ukrainian refugees to the occasional breaches of Polish airspace. As a result, the fear of Russian expansionism is palpable in the country, with many Poles believing that a Ukrainian loss would put them next in line for Russian aggression.
Poland’s Growing Concerns
These fears are not new. Since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, Poland has been acutely aware of the possibility of further Russian encroachment into Europe. When Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, those fears intensified. Poland, along with the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, has consistently warned that if Ukraine falls, Putin would likely target former Soviet-bloc countries next.
Harris’ warning in the debate about Poland being Putin’s next target resonated deeply with many in the country. Her emphasis on the need to stand up to Russia was well-received in the Polish media. In an opinion piece in Rzeczpospolita, a leading Polish newspaper, journalist Jacek Nizinkiewicz called Harris’ comments “a very strong and unambiguous signal for Ukraine and Polish security.”
Trump’s Stance on Ukraine
In contrast, Trump’s refusal to endorse a Ukrainian victory left many in Poland questioning his approach. Sławomir Dębski, a professor of strategy and international affairs at the College of Europe in Natolin, called it a “clear mistake” that Trump didn’t explicitly say he wanted Ukraine to win. Dębski also found Trump’s claim that he could negotiate peace between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before taking office to be “far-fetched.” He noted that Putin’s demands, including Ukraine giving up significant territory and avoiding NATO, would be unacceptable to the Ukrainian government.
Dębski criticized not just Trump but also the Biden administration for its failure to more explicitly support a clear Ukrainian victory. While Biden has committed to helping Ukraine “as long as it takes,” Dębski argued that this does not fully articulate the goal of Ukraine achieving a decisive victory over Russia.
Poland’s Shift in Attitude Toward Trump
When Trump first took office in 2016, he was initially welcomed in Poland. His strong stance on defense spending aligned with Poland’s significant military investment, and his opposition to migration resonated with the country’s conservative government. However, attitudes have shifted, particularly under Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government, which has voiced concern over Trump’s past comments praising Putin.
While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the debate discussions as part of U.S. domestic politics, Harris’ message about the importance of standing up to Russian aggression has struck a chord with many Poles. For them, the war in Ukraine is not just a foreign conflict but one that could have direct and immediate implications for their own security.
Mixed Reactions in the U.S.
Harris’ remarks were aimed, in part, at Polish Americans, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania. In Shenandoah, a town known for its Polish heritage, reactions to the debate were divided. Cecilia Heffron, an 82-year-old Trump supporter, disagreed with Harris’ warning, saying, “I know if Trump gets in, we wouldn’t have a war.” On the other hand, Lorraine McDonald, a Harris supporter, agreed with the vice president, saying that Putin wouldn’t stop with Ukraine and would target Poland next if he succeeded.
Back in Poland, Andrzej Nowak, a 67-year-old Warsaw resident, echoed similar concerns. “It’s important for Poland that Ukraine wins,” Nowak said. “Because there is no telling what this madman will come up with.”
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