One of Russia's goals, in addition to persecuting its own citizens, "is territorial expansion, mass murder and attacks on civilian targets, including hospitals and schools," the Polish president said.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki criticised European Union policies Thursday, describing the 27-member bloc as a "fading star" while asserting he supports European integration.
Nawrocki told the Diplomatic Corps he opposes the EU's Green Deal, the Mercosur trade agreement, centralising tendencies and migration policy stating he wanted to see "a strong Poland in a healthy EU."
"I believe Poland should be at the forefront of the camp of reform of the European Union, open to all countries that do not agree with the continuation of existing policies and at the same time do not want to be counted among the opponents of the very idea of a united Europe," Nawrocki said.
'Poland is aware of the threat from Moscow'
At Thursday's meeting with the Diplomatic Corps, Nawrocki spoke of "Russian imperialism," saying one of Russia's goals, in addition to persecuting its own citizens, "is territorial expansion, mass murder and attacks on civilian targets, including hospitals and schools."
"Poland, which has bordered Russia for centuries, is aware of the threat from Moscow like few others," he said.
He said Russia will not abandon further expansion after the war in Ukraine ends. "Only by increasing the defence capabilities of all allies and our unity can Russia be deterred," he said.
Nawrocki has previously criticised EU and Ukraine policies. Before his election in June 2025, he signed an eight-point declaration by Slawomir Mentzen of far-right coalition Konfederacja, asserting he would oppose Ukraine's entry into NATO and would not allow Polish soldiers to be sent to Ukraine.
During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Nawrocki accused him of being ungrateful to Poland.
Nawrocki and Tusk at loggerheads
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Thursday relations with Nawrocki are difficult, although through no fault of his own. The main disputes concern security issues, including energy, and Polish diplomacy and foreign policy, Tusk stated.
These issues should not be "the subject of incessant quarrelling or spite-making," he added.
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski is set to meet with Nawrocki on 26 January to "explain to him" Poland's constitutional rules, Tusk said.
"I hope these arguments will finally make some kind of impression and that the long-awaited appointments of Polish diplomats to full ambassadorial posts will take place."
Backed by the conservative Law and Justice or PiS party, Nawrocki won Poland's presidential election on 1 June 2025, defeating Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski with 50.89% of the vote. He took office on 6 August 2025.