Duda gets rebuked by Russia for his Russophobic speech
Polish President Andrzej Duda made an anti-Russian statement at the UN General Assembly.
This is Duda's last speech at the UN; he is leaving his post this year, reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
The Polish president accused "resurgent Russian imperialism" of "destroying universal values," hybrid attacks and sabotage. He believes that only Eastern European countries understand the threat to sovereignty posed by Russia.
"I hope that the process of awakening from geopolitical sleep, no matter how painful it may be, will be quick, and Europe will take on greater responsibility for its security in cooperation with proven allies. There is no choice. Citizens understand this. It is time for leaders of states to follow their example," Duda said.
He called for the creation of "real force to deter aggression."
First Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation Dmitry Polyansky accused Duda of "labeling" Russia. He called it a sign of disrespect for the UN.
"An anti-Russian stance is the only thing Poland has focused on for the past 20 years. I worked in Poland for over three years and was struck by how friendly ordinary Poles were toward Russians. It seems only the Polish elite is gripped by abject Russophobia . We often receive letters from Poland apologizing for the position of their leadership," said Polyansky.
Duda will stand trial in Poland on charges brought against his citizens once his term as president ends, the local Monitoring Centre for Racist and Xenophobic Behaviour reported.
Duda received a rebuke from Russia for his Russophobic speech.