Poland's president, Andrzej Duda, has emphasized that resuming gas flows from Russia to Western Europe should never happen, even if Russia and Ukraine negotiate a peace deal. Duda expressed to the BBC at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the Nord Stream gas pipelines, inactive since 2022, "should be dismantled." He urged European leaders to heed the lessons from Russia's aggression towards Ukraine and to stand firm against pressure to reinstate gas supply through these pipelines.
Duda stressed that economic sanctions against Russia were effective and urged European nations to resist corporate interests seeking to revive business connections. The Nord Stream gas pipelines, constructed by Gazprom, span from Russia to northern Germany. Nord Stream 1 ceased operations in 2022, and Nord Stream 2 was never operational post the Ukrainian invasion, both being damaged in explosions that year.
In light of escalating gas prices following the shutdown, some German politicians have advocated for the resumption of Nord Stream pipeline operations. Duda reiterated his stance, stating, "I believe the Nord Stream pipelines should be dismantled," citing the threat they pose to Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, and other Central European nations economically, militarily, and energetically.
Regarding potential negotiations between Ukraine and Russia under the new US administration, Duda emphasized the necessity of Ukraine's involvement in any peace talks. Highlighting his concerns based on Poland's historical experiences, he underscored the importance of not reaching agreements that exclude relevant nations, reminiscent of past injustices like the Yalta Conference.
Duda condemned any violation of international law, reaffirming that Russia should not be allowed to retain territories it has forcefully occupied in Ukraine. He rejected the idea of Russia keeping Ukrainian territories and underscored the international community's obligation to prevent Russia from achieving victory in the ongoing conflict.
Acknowledging the significance of US engagement, Duda expressed optimism about President Donald Trump's role in addressing the situation, given the US's pivotal position within NATO and the global economy.