Russia’s annexation of Crimea has violated international law and India should be cautious about Moscow’s intentions in South Asia, says Marek Magierowski, Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland.
The Minister told The Hindu that Russia had jeopardised the security of Eastern Europe by stationing nuclear-tipped missiles, and hence, sanctions were necessary to counter this threat.
“We do understand that India’s experiences with Russia are very different as you have never been occupied by Russia. But India should be very careful with Moscow,” said Mr. Magierowski emphasising that Poland’s opinion was based on tough military measures that Russia had taken against it in recent years.
Highly disturbing event
Expressing Warsaw’s concern about Russia’s designs, the visiting Minister, who participated in meetings in Kolkata and Delhi, said that annexation of Crimea was a “highly disturbing” event for international law.
“The annexation of Crimea was the first time in post-War Europe that the borders were moved,” Mr. Magierowski said on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue.
Hostile measures
He said that Poland is not in favour of spreading Russophobia [anti-Russia sentiment] but stressed that Russia had been undertaking hostile military measures against Eastern Europe apart from using aggressive propaganda.
“Nuclear tipped missiles are stationed barely 350 km from Warsaw and that is why we feel that sanctions must remain against Russia till it comes around to respect international law,” he said.
He also said that it is necessary to cooperate with Russia in the international arena.
“Since January 1, we have joined the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member. So we are willing to cooperate with Russia for fruitful discussions. We are not phobic but are pragmatic,” said the Minister highlighting Poland’s desire to find peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis which directly affects Poland.
“We have a large number of Ukrainian immigrants in Poland and we have integrated them into our society,” he said elaborating the commonalities that existed between Poland and Ukraine.
Mr. Magierowski visited West Bengal to participate in a trade show where he interacted with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
He also expressed hope of a high-level visit to his nation from India.
“The last Prime Ministerial visit from India was in 1979,” the Minister said, indicating an absence of India’s focus on Eastern Europe.
