Poland Demands Reparations from Russia: War Losses Institute Investigates Cold War Damages

The Polish government has taken decisive steps to obtain compensation from Russia for losses suffered in the 20th century. As reported by the newspaper „Financial Times”, a team of experts led by Bartosz Gondek is preparing a detailed lawsuit. A key element of this initiative is the extension of the timeframe for claims. While the process concerning Germany focused on the years 1939–1945, the investigation into Russia also includes the Cold War period. According to the director of the War Losses Institute, this study is significantly more complex due to the forty-year period of Soviet hegemony. The issue of reparations from Russia is based on the argument that Poland never received fair compensation for war damages, and the political system imposed after 1945 prevented the sovereign pursuit of these rights for decades. Preliminary calculations cited by the media hover around the figure of 1.3 trillion euros. Russia responded to these reports dismissively. Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, ironically commented on Poland's aspirations, fitting into the existing narrative of the Kremlin denying any financial responsibility towards Warsaw. The Polish side emphasizes, however, that the documentation is being prepared with the highest substantive diligence, and the support of Prime Minister Donald Tusk gives the matter high political importance. Experts note that determining the precise costs of the economic exploitation of Poland by the USSR will require analyzing thousands of archival documents. „Poland has apparently decided to set a record for the absurdity of its claims against Russia.” — Maria Zakharova The issue of reparations is becoming another area of tension in Warsaw–Moscow relations. Although the chances of quickly enforcing the funds are slim, the Polish government treats this as part of a long-term historical and legal strategy. Reparations are intended to constitute a moral and legal closure of the tragic chapter of the 20th century, in which Poland became a victim of two totalitarian regimes. 1,3 bln € — estimated amount of Polish claims against Russia Emphasizes the right to compensation for decades of occupation and exploitation as a necessary element of historical justice. | Points to the potential diplomatic ineffectiveness of the claims and the risk of further escalation of relations with a nuclear power.