Poland should not demand reparation only from Germany, but also from Russia. It is about historical justice [OPINIA]
When President Karol Nawrocki repeats a demand for reparations from Germany on Westerplatte, he refers to a long line of internal policy. Poland is a victim of the German invasion of September 1, 1939. Millions of fatalities, destroyed cities, decades of havoc. There is no doubt that this trauma continues to this day. Poland is equally justified.
In the past, the Sejm thought more perspective. Already many years ago, the parliament adopted resolutions that burden not only Germany, but also Russia as a country being the successor of the Soviet Union.
Poland was a victim not only of Hitler, but also Stalin. The Ribbentrop-Mołotow pact from 1939, in which two totalitarian systems divided Europe among themselves, meant the abolition of its statehood for Poland. Just a few weeks after the German invasion, the Red Army entered the east of the country. There was no liberation, but the second occupation: Deportations to Siberia, massacre such as in Katyn, destruction of the Polish elite.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the USSR Wiaczesław Molotov (right) and German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop (left) while signing a non -aggression pact between the USSR and Germany with Józef Stalin (in the middle). Moscow, August 23, 1939
“It's about historical justice”
This pattern also remained after 1945. Poland remained in a semi -camp in the Zone of the influence of the Soviet Union. The Polish People's Republic was only formally – in fact, it had no sovereignty to make their own decisions about its future, foreign policy and war reparations. Each important decision depended on Moscow. Therefore, not only Germany is responsible for the destruction and deprivation of Poland's rights, but also the Soviet Union.
Until the fall of the Eastern Bloc in 1989. Poland did not have the right to vote on key issues. That is why the argument that the demand for compensation should also relate to Russia is so important. This is not about legal subtleties, but about historical justice: Poland was attacked from two sides, pressed by two dictatorships, used by two powers. So who today calls only Berlin, skip the other half of the truth.
It would be a sign of political consequences and clarity if the president said it openly. It is easy to criticize “friends” in the West. Germany is an EU member, NATO, a partner – and that's why they are a grateful goal. You can negotiate with Berlin, you can exert pressure, you can get points in internal policy.
Clear message
But hardly anyone has the courage to request reparations also towards Moscow. There is too much fear that this may be perceived as a provocation, and the chances of success are too small. However, it is in this hopeless meaning that is symbolic.
Not only from a democratic neighbor who can negotiate, but also from an authoritarian aggressor who evades responsibility.
It is not about real payments – in Moscow under Putin they are illusory. It's about a clear message: that Poland is responsible for both powers that destroyed it in the 20th century. This position would provide Poland with international respect and show that it is not only about political calculations, but about the rules.
A bold move would be to demand reparations not only from Germany, but also from Russia. The fall of the Soviet Union was also a defeat of Russia. As the saying goes: reparations are received by winners, victims and saved. Poland's request should be recognized by both Germany and Russia.
