Polish Diplomat doesn’t Discount Victory of Ukraine over Russia

The Polish ambassador to the United States publicly admitted that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are capable of defeating Russia and intimated that this may be the only tenable formula for peace in the region.

Speaking with Christiane Amanpour on her CNN program Amanpour & Co. today, Poland’s Ambassador to the United States Marek Magierowski said: “I don't know whether we will find a diplomatic solution, but maybe a military solution… I believe the Ukrainian army is capable of defeating the Russian army right now.”

The significance of this observation by a close ally of Ukraine and a member of NATO is not lost on all observers of the Russo-Ukraine War of 2014-22. Undoubtedly, the United States and the free world were caught like a deer in headlights by the Polish official’s comment.

Magierowski also said “Russia is losing this war right now. Not only in the hearts and minds of Europeans and Americans or the societies of the so-called free world but Russia is losing this war literally,” referring to the fact that Moscow’s military machine has been stymied by the Ukrainian army, National Guard, Territorial Defense and regular citizens. Russia’s ground war has been converted to indiscriminate missile attacks that have killed innocent civilians and children.

The Polish diplomat said that Russian forces have committed “acts of barbarism in Ukraine” that he said were “war crimes, atrocities.” 

Magierowski predicted that despite the outcome of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the free world’s sanctions against Russia and its people, the free world will have to deal with Putin with years to come.

Poland’s Ambassador told CNN that sanctions on Russia should “last for a decade, maybe 15 years” following Moscow’s invasion and assault on Ukraine.  

“I think that if we wanted to retaliate for that invasion against Ukraine with punitive measures and by crippling the Russian economy, we have to be determined and ready to uphold the sanctions in a longer term. Maybe they should last for a decade, maybe 15 years, because I'm afraid we are going to live with Mr. Putin for many years to come,” Magierowski told Amanpour in the interview.    

“I do believe and I am confident that Mr. Putin and his cronies and all his closest aides will end up in the dock, in The Hague, in the International Criminal Court, because this is what he has already fully deserved,” Magierowski said.

NJ Senate Approves Bill Prohibiting Russian Investments 

In response to Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the New Jersey Senate approved a bill sponsored by Sen. Paul Sarlo and Sen. Declan O’Scanlon that would prohibit public investments with Russia. 

The Senate also expressed its overwhelming, bipartisan support for Ukraine by voting for a resolution condemning Russia for its unjustified invasion and expressing New Jersey’s solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

The sanctions bill, S-1889, would cut off public investments and other financial agreements with Russia and any business or individual with Russian interests. The prohibitions would also apply to Belarus.

“We won’t stand by while Russia conducts an unjustified war against Ukraine without taking action,” said Senator Sarlo (D-Bergen), the committee’s chair. “These economic prohibitions will make them pay a price by cutting off sources of revenue here in New Jersey. If other states follow our lead, it will make the sanctions imposed by countries throughout the world even more effective. We should try to bleed Putin and his oligarchs dry of their profiteering.”

The legislation would prohibit the state and local government in New Jersey from doing business with the Russian government or any business or financial institution with Russian interests. The bill would specifically prevent the state from investing pension or annuity funds in companies engaging in financial activities in Russia, and would prohibit the state from banking with institutions that provide banking services for Russia.  

“It’s clear that Vladimir Putin has little fear that the people of his nation will learn the truth of the atrocities being committed under his command in Ukraine when they only have access to censored media that spews lies and fake news,” said Senator O’Scanlon (R-13). “While Putin might be able to control the flow of information within Russia, but he won’t be able to shield his nation from the economic impact of sanctions and divestment undertaken by governments across the world, including the State of New Jersey. These unified actions are not intended to hurt peaceful Russian citizens, but to send a strong message to the oligarchs and others in positions of power that their leader has crossed a line with his war in Ukraine that the international community will not tolerate.”

Under the bill, a person or entity that engages in investment activity in Russia would be prohibited from obtaining a professional service contract from the state or a local government, a tax credit or other economic incentive issued by the Economic Development Authority, a tax abatement, or a payment in-lieu of property tax agreement.

The Senate also expressed New Jersey’s full-fledged support for Ukraine by voting unanimously for Senate Concurrent Resolution 88, calling on Russia to stop its violent attack and recognize Ukraine as a sovereign state, free to choose its own leader and future. The resolution is sponsored or cosponsored by every member of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

“We are declaring our solidarity with the people of Ukraine in their courageous stand against the unjustified attack by Russia. We want them to know that we are standing with them in support of democracy and the right for self-determination. Всі ми громадяни України (We are all citizens of Ukraine).” Senator Joe Cryan, chair of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

“We join in unity and solidarity with the people of Ukraine who have been inundated with the attacks and bombings brought on with the ongoing invasion by Russia. Ukrainians have shown tenacity in their pursuit of democracy. We are doing every effort to support our Eastern European allies. We offer our prayers to Ukraine and its people.” Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez, vice chair of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

“New Jersey is joining the world community in condemning Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine and its brutal and horrific attacks that have targeted and killed civilians, including children. We stand with besieged Ukrainians as they mount their courageous defense and with the thousands of disgusted Russians who have taken to the streets to call for a peaceful end to this senseless war.” Senator Sam Thompson (R-12), a member of the Senate Military & Veterans’ Affairs Committee.