Professor Vladimir Ponomariov, who served as Secretary of State in the Russian Ministry of Construction from 1999 to 2004, noted that he did not see deep resentment towards Poles in Russian society. As he said in his conversation with the Fact, "there is hatred coming from propaganda describing Poland as a associate of NATO and the European Union".
Polish-Russian relations are presently in the worst state in decades. As we wrote on Temat.pl, more diplomatic missions are closed, and Russian peculiar services are increasingly engaging in acts of espionage and sabotage in Poland. Despite the tense situation Prof. Ponomariv sees the space to improve common relations. He thinks the Russians don't know adequate about Poles.
Former Minister Putin warns Poland
Prof. Vladimir Ponomariov said that Poland is of large importance to Russia. "The largest army, the largest industry, the largest economy and the external border of the EU and NATO," he mentioned. As he pointed out, "Putin is just getting started" and aims to reconstruct the order of the planet known from postwar times. Ponomariov said what determines the attack on his part.
– If NATO finds the strength to defend itself, then Russia will not move. They'll only decision if they feel weak. For now, we see that European armies are not prepared to defend the full continent. I have no uncertainty that Putin will take a military action against Poland if Europe does not take the full strategy of preparation," he said.
He added that Poland spends 5% of its GDP on defence, while Russia spends 7% on defence. – I have no uncertainty that Putin will take a military action against Poland if Europe does not take the full strategy of preparation – he warned.
The prof. besides referred to social sentiments in Russia. According to him, about 15-20 percent of Russian people trust Putin and believe in the false communicative of the war.
