Polish FM Sikorski calls for unity amid Russian aggression at Breda ceremony

Polish foreign minister Radosław Sikorski called for Western unity and resolve in response to Russia's war in Ukraine, speaking at a commemoration ceremony in Breda on Sunday marking 80 years since the Dutch city's liberation by Polish forces.

Commemorations of the 80th anniversary of Breda's liberation. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski (centre) speaking at the ceremony held at the Polish Honorary Military Cemetery Ettensebaan in Breda, the Netherlands, October 27, as part of events marking the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation by the 1st Polish Armored Division.

Photo: PAP/Albert Zawada

Sikorski, alongside Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp, attended the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Breda's liberation by Polish troops led by General Stanisław Maczek.

"Poland and the Netherlands stand side by side with Ukraine in its courageous fight," Sikorski declared.

Addressing the historical parallels, Sikorski underscored the return of war to Europe, citing the Russian invasion of Ukraine as reminiscent of past conflicts that ravaged the continent.

"The horrors of war have returned with a force not seen since World War II," he said, denouncing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a violation of Kyiv’s sovereignty.

During the ceremony, Sikorski expressed gratitude to the Dutch and Polish communities for preserving the shared memory of liberation, exemplified by the legacy of Polish General Stanisław Maczek and his 1st Armored Division, which freed Breda in 1944.

Ministrowie SZ 🇵🇱 @sikorskiradek oraz 🇳🇱 @ministerBZ ⤵️

▪️ złożyli wieńce na Polskim Cmentarzu Wojskowym
▪️ zwiedzali Muzeum Maczek Memorial Breda, które opowiada historię żołnierzy polskiej 1 Dywizji Pancernej, którzy walczyli o wyzwolenie 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/zNxSrZfXpf

— Ministerstwo Spraw Zagranicznych RP 🇵🇱 (@MSZ_RP) October 27, 2024

Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp thanked the Polish forces, remarking on the unique approach that spared Breda from severe damage.

Veldkamp emphasized the importance of defending freedom in Europe, stating: "Freedom is not given to us forever. It calls on us to actively contribute to Ukraine’s liberation."

"In this challenging time, the friendship between Poland and the Netherlands is more important than ever before," the Dutch official added.

80 years ago, courageous Polish troops liberated the city of Breda in the Netherlands. Today, I commemorated their bravery, sacrifices and efforts together with my Polish colleague @sikorskiradek, Mayor @PaulDepla and veteran Eugeniusz Niedzielski. We owe our freedom to them. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/lRT3TvYFrX

— Caspar Veldkamp (@ministerBZ) October 27, 2024

Local officials, diplomats and Polish veterans joined the two foreign ministers in paying tribute, with white and red flowers laid on the graves of fallen soldiers.

Sikorski and Veldkamp also met with Karolina Maczek, granddaughter of General Maczek, and Captain Eugeniusz Niedzielski, the last living veteran of the Polish troops that liberated Breda.

200 lat Panie kapitanie! pic.twitter.com/NcR2NR9Bnf

— Radosław Sikorski 🇵🇱🇪🇺 (@sikorskiradek) October 27, 2024

In late October 1944, General Maczek’s 1st Armored Division liberated Breda while sparing the city from destruction under his direct order to avoid firing on its buildings.

The Netherlands has hosted a series of events since September to honour the liberation of Breda and other Dutch cities, including a parade and soccer match this weekend to celebrate the Polish soldiers’ legacy.

The commemorations have drawn large crowds of Dutch citizens, Poles and the Dutch Polish community.

(ał)

Source: IAR, PAP