Foreign Minister MFA Radosław Sikorski presented his annual exposé on foreign policy in the Sejm. He emphasized that a strong EU remains Poland's raison d'état, and described Russia through the lens of the war with Ukraine. The speech sparked a sharp debate among coalition and opposition politicians, with some media linking it to internal rivalry for leadership.

EU as raison d'état

Sikorski emphasized that a strong and effective European Union should directly strengthen Poland's security, also through common political and economic instruments.

Putin compared to Brezhnev

The Russian thread included comparing Putin to Brezhnev and assessing that the costly war could weaken Russia and increase pressure on its finances.

Dispute over tone towards US

Some media highlighted tougher rhetoric towards the US, while simultaneously maintaining declarations about the importance of the alliance and the necessity of being guided by Poland's interest.

Reactions from opposition and coalition

Bosak, Czarnecki, and others criticized the content and intentions of the exposé, with commentaries pointing to polarization and a possible dimension of internal power struggle.

Drone incident in the Baltic Sea

Simultaneously, reports covered a Russian drone near the aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle" and actions by Sweden, reinforcing the regional security context.

Radosław Sikorski delivered an exposé in the Sejm on the directions of Polish foreign policy. In reports from several editorial offices, he emphasized that a strong and capable European Union remains Poland's raison d'état, and that continental security requires combining political, economic, and defense instruments. The Russian thread resonated in the comparison of Vladimir Putin to Leonid Brezhnev and in the thesis that the Kremlin's course – with the rising costs of war – could lead Russia to weakening and financial problems. Some commentary noted a tougher tone towards the United States: Sikorski stressed that Poland had borne the costs of strategic decisions and should not act against its own interests, while simultaneously declaring the maintenance of alliances.

„My zapłaciliśmy cenę” (We paid the price) — Radosław Sikorski „We cant be a sucker” (We can't be a sucker) — Radosław Sikorski

After 1949, with the establishment of NATO, European security relied largely on US guarantees. After the end of the Cold War, European states gradually developed integration, and after 2014 – following Russia's aggression against Ukraine – they more frequently combined economic policy with defense and sanctions.

The minister's speech also became an axis of domestic political dispute. Liberal media more often highlighted the European thread and pragmatism in transatlantic relations, while conservative editorial offices focused on criticizing the style and intent of the speech. Assessments appeared in commentaries suggesting the exposé might have been building Sikorski's position beyond his ministerial function. The opposition pointed to alleged contradictions in the assessment of the US and EU, and politicians from various parties – including Krzysztof Bosak and Ryszard Czarnecki – criticized the MFA's proposals and the manner of conducting the debate. Simultaneously, a dispute over symbolic gestures was noted: Włodzimierz Czarzasty's words "Glory to Ukraine" provoked sharp reactions from Leszek Miller in some right-wing media.

500 tys. — army size target

On the same day, some editorial offices linked the parliamentary debate to tensions in the region. Reports covered an incident in the Baltic Sea, where a Russian drone allegedly approached the French aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle", and Sweden undertook defensive actions, including – according to some reports – signal jamming. In the background, armament-related threads also appeared: the government pointed to deterrence and readiness for various scenarios, and the discussion returned to the topic of the EU's SAFE instrument and relations with Germany, including reparation postulates formulated by Karol Nawrocki. Separately, information was noted about a Pole being honored by Volodymyr Zelenskyy for organizing the delivery of 372 off-road vehicles to the front.

Perspektywy mediów: Emphasis on EU and pragmatism of alliances Emphasis on conflict with US and party dispute

Mentioned People

  • Radosław Sikorski — Minister of Foreign Affairs, author of the exposé in the Sejm.
  • Władimir Putin — President of Russia, compared to Brezhnev in the exposé.
  • Leonid Breżniew — Leader of the USSR, reference point in the comparison used in the exposé.
  • Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz — Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Ministry of National Defense, spoke about the half-million army target.
  • Krzysztof Bosak — Confederation politician, criticized Sikorski's exposé.
  • Ryszard Czarnecki — Politician, commented on the exposé and compared Sikorski to Orbán.
  • Włodzimierz Czarzasty — Co-leader of The Left, his statement "Glory to Ukraine" sparked a dispute.
  • Leszek Miller — Former Prime Minister, sharply criticized gestures and statements by some politicians in the context of Ukraine.
  • Karol Nawrocki — Organized a conference described in the media; spoke about reparations and SAFE.
  • Wołodymyr Zełenski — President of Ukraine, awarded a Pole an order for logistical support.