Commenting on the possibility of an arms buildup in the region, Toczek told Sputnik that "this is another step toward the sharpening of tensions, which could lead to a great tragedy. In no way does this step serve in normalizing relations." The Polish navy veteran turned-politician added that in his view, the move "will not increase Poland's national security."
"I do not see any concrete actions on the part of Russia or other countries located to the east of Poland which would justify such a step. In my view, this type of action creates the basis for an escalation, via similar actions [by the other side]. I believe that this step would be contrary to the interests of Poland and of other countries in the region."
Referring to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's statement earlier this month that Russia poses no immediate threat to NATO, Toczek noted that he does "not know why the statements by politicians contradict one another," emphasizing only that such a decision would "not contribute to a constructive resolution of the problems which exist in Ukraine. If we focus on the imaginary threat from Russia in relation to Poland and other countries in the region, we can expect to see an increase in tensions, and this is not something in the interests of the Poles."
Toczek noted that making policy "based on emotions is an irresponsible thing to do." He noted that he remains "confident that Russia will continue the political line we have seen in recent years, and that it will not allow itself to be drawn into hazardous games."
Marek Toczek served in the Polish Navy between 1965 and 1996, rising to the rank of Vice Admiral in 1994. In the mid-1990s, he left the navy and became the president of the Polish Front, running for a seat in parliament during the 2001 parliamentary elections on the party list of the Alternative Social Movement. Since then, he has been a vice president of the social democratic Polish Labour Party — August 80.
