During his visit to Helsinki, Karol Nawrocki clearly presented Poland's position on regional safety and threat from Russia.
At a joint press conference with president Alexander Stubb, he stressed that Warsaw and Helsinki think about the future of the continent likewise and that the relations of both countries have a strategical dimension.
– We are convinced that Vladimir Putin is ready to hit another countries said Nawrocki, immediately pointing out the main subject of the talks: security.
This message clearly indicated that Poland has no illusions about the Kremlin's intentions. The president added that this is why it is essential to strengthen the defence possible and deepen cooperation with key allies. In this context Finland is of peculiar importance to Poland – not only due to its geographical location, but above all due to the convergence of historical experiences.
– civilian defence in Finland and the number of reservists, Finland's willingness to defend itself and the longest border with Russia, as well as our common past shows that Poles and Finns know the Russian soul and Vladimir Putin perfectly well said the President, referring to the akin sense of danger that shaped both societies over decades.
The presidents' gathering took place at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki. This was another installment of Nawrocki's intense series of visits. He previously visited Washington, Italy, Vatican and Lithuania. The choice of these directions was not accidental – it is part of a coherent political strategy: consolidating the east flank of NATO and strengthening relations with countries that treat defence issues as a priority.
– The Baltic Sea basin and relations with Finland are very crucial for Poland said the President, pointing to north as an crucial direction of safety policy.
The visit to Helsinki besides had a applicable dimension. Nawrocki met with Finnish Parliament president Jussi Halla–aho, and besides visited Merihak's civilian defence shelter – 1 of the symbols of the state's preparation for the crisis. This part of the visit clearly showed that Poland is curious not only in high-level policy, but besides in specific, functioning civilian protection solutions.
There was besides a comment on the relation with the European Union. Poland and Finland are members of it, but as the president stressed, they have more than organization affiliation.
– We are not only partners in the EU, in bilateral relations, but primarily allies said Nawrocki, stressing the dimension of a community of interests and responsibilities.
Unlike many European leaders, Nawrocki didn't talk in a conjecture mode. He did not consider “if” Putin could attack, but talked about how to prepare for it. This approach coincides with Finnish defence doctrine – plan not if necessary, but with the presumption that the crisis may come.
The President's presence in a state that has just joined NATO was besides a talking point, but has long been a symbol of consistent preparation. Finland, thanks to the systematic expansion of defence structures, did not request violent reforms after joining the Alliance. She was ready before. specified a model attracts the attention of Polish decision makers. Nawrocki emphasized that Finland not only knows the mentality of the Russian elite, but has been consistently preparing for a possible conflict for years. Poland, according to his announcement, is besides heading in this direction. It's about investing in an army, rebuilding civilian protection, but besides about building real relationships with countries that think in a akin way.
– We don't trust Vladimir Putin's good intentions said Nawrocki, answering the question of trust in the Kremlin's current declarations.
This is 1 of the strongest opinions of the full conference, due to the fact that it expresses the fundamental difference between a policy based on hope and a policy based on experience. Finland and Poland are not guided by symmetry in relations with Russia. Their approach is asymmetric – defensive, realistic and devoid of illusions. In this spirit, the president besides talked about the improvement of military capabilities and cooperation with allies. This is not a consequence to the current threat, but an component of a long-term strategy that is to apply regardless of election cycles or changing governments. Although Nawrocki did not usage large words, his full message had the dimension of a manifesto. Clear rules: Russia is simply a threat, partnerships must be concrete, safety needs preparation, not declaration.
A visit to Finland can be read as a signal that Poland will search partners not only in the West, but above all in the North and East of the continent – where the sense of danger translates into real action. It is simply a change of accents in Polish abroad policy, which becomes more operational, little symbolic. Karol Nawrocki did not talk about the future in abstract terms. He spoke of her as a reality that requires a strong response. Finland was the perfect place for this message to sound loud and to be heard not only in Brussels but besides in Moscow.
