Report on the visit of Melinda Simmons, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, to the Faculty of Political Science and International Relations
Melinda Simmons, the new Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Poland, visited our Department on December 2. The meeting in the Prof. Jan Baszkiewicz Auditorium was her first public appearance since taking office. The event was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Warsaw, Dr. hab. Katarzyna Kołodziejczyk, professor, while the discussion with the Ambassador was moderated by Dr. hab. Agnieszka Bieńczyk-Missala, professor.
The Baszkiewicz Auditorium was filled to capacity with students, faculty, and experts, serving as a platform for discussion on the future of Polish-British relations and the architecture of European security.
Warning About Instability and Misinformation
The main focus of the speech was an analysis of the threats posed by the Russian Federation. Ambassador Simmons, drawing on her experience from her diplomatic mission in Kyiv (2019–2023), warned against the Kremlin’s hybrid activities, which go beyond conventional military conflict.
Russia’s strategy toward our countries is clear: to distract and divide, weaken our democratic institutions and decision-making processes, and undermine our security ,” the diplomat emphasized.
She also drew particular attention to attempts to manipulate public opinion with the aim of undermining the significance of the aid provided to Ukraine. She emphasized that it was precisely Poland’s aid that played a key role in keeping Russian aggression away from NATO’s borders.
Poland’s Role and Historical Leadership
In her speech, the ambassador repeatedly emphasized Poland’s leading role in regional security issues. She drew on the legacy of Polish political thought, citing Jerzy Giedroyc’s doctrine, the legacy of the “Solidarity” movement, Minister Radosław Sikorski’s Eastern Partnership initiative, and President Lech Kaczyński’s 2008 remarks regarding Russian expansionism.
Melinda Simmons called for unity and political cohesion on fundamental issues:
– When Polish political leaders from across the political spectrum speak with one voice on the urgent threat to Europe’s security, it sends a powerful message to the world. Your leadership is evident to all, and your voice and experience with Russia matter more than ever.
The ambassador also announced that work would continue on the new Treaty on Defense and Security, which was announced by the prime ministers of both countries in January 2025 and is scheduled to be signed in early 2026.
The lecture was followed by a question-and-answer session, during which students from both the Faculty of Political Science and International Relations and other departments and universities engaged enthusiastically in a direct discussion with the Ambassador on the topic of contemporary diplomacy.
We invite you to view the photo gallery from the event.