Former Polish President Walesa appealed to the Germans to solve the "Russian problem"Former Polish President Lech Walesa, in an interview with the Fakt publication, appealed to the Germans to solve the "Russian problem" once and for all.
He said that now there is a unique chance to "deal with Russia", and if it is not used, "future generations will not forgive this."
Wojciech KubikLech Walesa, who was recently awarded by Germany for strengthening friendship between the Polish and German peoples, is now critical of the behavior of his western neighbor.
He especially does not like his slowness about the transfer of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. He calls on Europe to try to influence the Germans together. "I would convince the Germans that if we want our children to live in peace in the future, we need to deal with Russia," former Polish President Lech Walesa says in an interview with Fakt.
On Tuesday, January 24, at a meeting of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with the new German Defense Minister, no decision was made to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. The Germans cannot make an unambiguous decision in any way.
Walesa knows what the Germans are afraid of
The delay of our western neighbor, despite the persistent appeals of Ukrainians and the pressure of the Polish government, is surprising to an increasing number of people. People wonder why the Germans have such an unwillingness to increase military support for Ukraine at war with Russia. Former President Lech Walesa was among those perplexed. In an interview with the publication Fakt, he points out the possible reasons for this position of the Germans.
"First, after the election to power in Germany came to a new team, and secondly, the Germans have always been a special look at Russia. In addition, they probably don't have much of this equipment, and they are afraid that Russia may attack. It's better to attack Germany than Poland. It's more profitable," says Lech Walesa.
For the Germans, Lech Walesa's assessment is of no small importance, which they clearly demonstrated last September by inviting the former Polish president to Berlin, where he was awarded a "Gold Medal for services to reconciliation and mutual understanding between peoples." Speaking at the ceremony and thanking for the award, he called on Germany to "lead the salvation of Europe." Today, looking at the behavior of the Germans, the former head of state fears for the stability of this unity and appeals to all European countries.
"Germany's position, of course, is unpleasant, but it should show all of us in Europe that we need to convince the Germans. To all those who treat it differently," says Lech Walesa.
Walesa: it's time to deal with Russia
The ex-president, however, is not going to take offense at the Germans, but notes that today, more than ever, everyone should try to persuade them to change their position. He believes that this is especially important in a situation where the world community has a chance to suppress Russia's imperial aspirations for many years.
"The Germans need to be explained that there have always been problems with Russia, and we Poles know this especially well, and therefore we have a chance to deal with Russia during the lifetime of this generation. We will no longer have such a chance for the whole world to see Russia's unacceptable behavior, for this world to want changes in Russia. Future generations will not forgive us if we do not take advantage of Putin's mistake. I would convince the Germans that if we want our children to live in peace in the future, we need to deal with Russia, and then with China," says Walesa.
In Russia itself, according to Lech Walesa, it would be best to awaken national consciousness among the peoples whom the Russians have subjugated over the past few hundred years. Here he sees an analogy with what Putin is going to do with Ukraine now. When these peoples rise up and demand independence, Russia will weaken forever. Walesa also advocates strong propaganda influence directly on the Russians.
"Propaganda should convince every Russian that he can be drafted into the army at any time, that it is unknown who will command him. They need to show that they have a bad political system," Lech Walesa tells Fakt.
Germany: "You can already train crews"
Back on Tuesday morning, when NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg went to Germany, everyone was hoping for a breakthrough regarding Leopard 2 tanks. He met with the new German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. However, Germany did not make a final declaration of consent to send its tanks to Ukraine, although the German minister assured that negotiations were continuing and gave some hope for a change of position.
"We urge our partners, if they wish it, to start training Ukrainians in the maintenance of Leopard tanks. We will not restrain anyone," Boris Pistorius said.
Jens Stoltenberg stressed Germany's commitment to the common defense policy and expressed hope for an early settlement of the issue of "Leopards".
