President Duda: Ukraine must return to its borders from before Russian aggression

During the 106th anniversary of Poland regaining independence, President Andrzej Duda emphasized that Poland’s reappearance on the map of Europe was crucial for the future world order and for Europe. He added that, in the vision of American politicians and strategists, especially President Woodrow Wilson, Poland was meant to be a "keystone, a highly important point that would provide a balance in this part of Europe, which had seen centuries of armed conflicts."

"The re-establishment of the Republic of Poland on the map of Europe was an essential part of ending the war. Defining its borders was a part of establishing peace in Europe," said Duda. He noted that this had been confirmed by events in 1939, when Poland was invaded by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. "Poland’s existence was a guarantee of stability, and World War II clearly demonstrated this," Duda said, adding that the breakdown of this concept had marked the beginning of a catastrophe for all of Europe and the world.

He continued: "Likewise, Poland’s exclusion from the free world after World War II was a problem that led to the ongoing East-West conflict, the Cold War, which lasted nearly 45 years."

Duda emphasized that "today, we are part of the free world not only in a cultural sense but also politically." He added: "We are part of large national communities—the European Union, but above all, the great community of the North Atlantic Alliance, led by the United States."

The president underscored that "we are the keystone in these communities." He remarked: "Our allies, particularly our greatest ally, the United States, understand this well. The U.S. serves as the guarantor of the free world’s security through its leadership of the North Atlantic Alliance, or NATO."

The president emphasized that it is "a delusion, as some might think, that Europe today can secure itself independently." He stressed: "For the security of Europe and the world, strengthening transatlantic ties is essential." He continued: "If we remain strong and responsible, peace will endure in our part of Europe, we will withstand all historical upheavals, and a free, sovereign Republic of Poland will also endure."

Reflecting on the Cold War era, Duda stated that the Soviet Union "did not dare attack a strong West precisely because the West spent over 3 percent of GDP on security across all NATO countries." He described this as a "firm policy" that the Soviet economy could not handle.

President Duda pointed out that today’s Russia "will also not be able to contend with a strong West—but it must be strong, with its own military capabilities, its own economy, and steadfast support and cooperation with the United States."

According to Duda, a strong West is the guarantee that Poland "will endure in this part of Europe as the keystone of the free world chain, alongside all the countries to our north and south." He added: "These are countries that, like us, value freedom, sovereignty, and independence above all." Therefore, he emphasized, "we must urge all our allies to consistently increase defense spending."

The president highlighted the importance of respecting the territorial integrity of all nations, especially Ukraine, which, as he stressed, "must return to its borders from before Russian aggression, not only from 2022 but also from the first incursion in 2014." He added: "This is what security, world order, and adherence to international law demand." In 2014, Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimea, and in 2022, it launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Duda noted that Russian imperialism aims to destroy Poland’s neighbor, whom "we support with all our strength." He expressed his belief that "Ukraine will be part of the free world with us," and that "with the backing of the free world, Ukraine will defend itself against Russian aggression."

The president also stated that Poland is responsible for its own security. "Today, the founding fathers of our independence are watching us. Both those who pursued political efforts and those who undertook military actions, like Marshal Józef Piłsudski. Today, they are observing how we initiated the modernization and strengthening of the Polish army at the right moment. They see how we, the entire Polish society, the entire Polish nation, consistently bear the sacrifices required by the substantial defense expenditures. This is so we can ensure security and avoid having to fight," said Duda.

He added that "we are learning from the mistakes made during the invasion of Poland in 1939, when security was neglected both in terms of infrastructure and political strategy."

During Monday's ceremonies, President Duda emphasized America’s role in Poland regaining independence. He recalled that on January 8, 1918, U.S. President Thomas Woodrow Wilson announced his Fourteen Points, with the thirteenth point advocating for an independent Polish state. "Poland, once again independent, was thus integral to the vision of one of the world’s most prominent leaders, at the helm of a global power, as the United States already was," said Duda. Poland’s independence was part of Wilson’s plan for a post-war world order.

He noted that this was the result of diplomatic efforts, including those led by Ignacy Paderewski.

Duda also honored the sacrifices of those who fought for independence. He remarked that Józef Piłsudski "well understood the enormous hardship endured over generations during the 123 years leading to Poland’s regained independence." "He knew how many lives had been lost in uprisings, from the Kościuszko Uprising through the November and January Uprisings, and the battles of World War I, all to reclaim a free, sovereign Poland," he added.

The president stressed that "Piłsudski was also acutely aware of the immense suffering involved—exiles to Siberia, imprisonments, including his own incarceration." "He understood the years spent by many in exile, organizing efforts within Polish communities around the world to recover independence."

The National Independence Day celebrations, attended by President Andrzej Duda and First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda, along with Speaker of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia and Speaker of the Senate Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, commenced at noon in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw.

At the Belweder Palace, President Duda awarded state honors, after which he proceeded to the Temple of Divine Providence, where a Mass was held in prayer for the nation.

Poland observes National Independence Day on November 11 to commemorate the transfer of command over the Polish armed forces to Józef Piłsudski by the Regency Council in 1918. This event symbolized Poland's regained independence after 123 years of partitions by Austria, Prussia, and Russia.

The holiday was officially established by the Polish Parliament in 1937, abolished in 1945 following World War II, and later reinstated in 1989 through an act of Parliament.