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 Studies

Melinda Simmons, the new Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Poland, visited our Faculty 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, Prof. Katarzyna Kołodziejczyk, and the conversation with the Ambassador was moderated by Prof. Agnieszka Bieńczyk-Missala.

The Baszkiewicz Auditorium was filled to capacity with students, academics, and experts, becoming a platform for discussion on the future of Polish-British relations and the architecture of European security.

Warning against destabilization and disinformation
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 towards 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 noted that it was Polish 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 referred to the heritage 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 on Russian expansionism.

Melinda Simmons called for unity and political cohesion on fundamental issues:

When Polish political leaders from all sides speak with one voice on an urgent threat to Europe’s security, it sends a powerful signal to the world. Your leadership is visible to all, and your voice and experience with Russia matter more than ever.

The ambassador also announced further work on the new Defense and Security Treaty, announced by the prime ministers of both countries in January 2025, which 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 International Relations and other faculties and universities engaged in a lively discussion with the Ambassador on the subject of contemporary diplomacy.

We invite you to view the photo report from the event.