Poland calls on Russia to be 'honest' in energy talks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Russia must be honest in its energy negotiations with European Union nations, Poland's President has insisted, saying Moscow had worked in the past on the basis of fiction.
President Lech Kaczynski and Tony Blair said after a meeting in Downing Street that energy security was a key focus of their discussions.
Mr Kaczynski said his country had much experience in dealing with Moscow and accused Russia of not always playing straight. He warned that Russia's talks with Europe over energy could be difficult.
"Finding our common value set will not be simple, but our starting point must be the facts," he said at a news conference with Mr Blair. "One should talk to Russia [in a way] which is firm, resolved and strong."
Poland is heavily dependent on oil and gas from Russia, and has accused Moscow of using its vast energy wealth to politically manipulate countries in eastern Europe that depend on its supplies. Gas and oil flows to Poland were hit when Moscow briefly cut gas deliveries to Ukraine in January. "It is massively to our benefit that Europe takes a common line on energy policy," Mr Blair said.
The two leaders said they were also discussing Iraq and Afghanistan, where Poland and Britain both have troops.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments