Speaking at the Idea of Europe conference in Kaunas, Lithuania, Duda said: “If Russia is defeated, Ukraine will be safe, and Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania and the rest of Europe will be safe as well.”
“After February 24, the Europe we knew and built has changed forever. Common values such as unity, solidarity, peace, trust and the primacy of international law - all of these have been put to a difficult test,” the Polish president said during the conference at the Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas.
According to Duda, Europe should boost its deterrence capabilities despite an economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
“The future of Europe calls for bolder and more decisive action than ever before,” he said.
Duda said that the war in Ukraine, which was "started by Russia with the help of Belarus," has made European citizens fear for their security, future and peace.
“Despite this, we remain united in the EU and within NATO. We are strong and ready to respond to Russia,” he stated.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP