Poland is gearing up to file a lawsuit against Russia, seeking reparations for the legacy of Soviet influence in the country. This move mirrors Poland's previous demand for €1.3 trillion in compensation from Germany for atrocities committed during World War II, indicating a broader approach toward historical grievances. Polish President Andrzej Duda hinted at this course of action in September 2022, stating that Warsaw might pursue similar claims against Moscow, which has consistently labeled these demands as expressions of Russophobia and political extremism.

The inquiry into potential Russian crimes is being led by Bartosz Gondek, who heads an institute under the auspices of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Gondek mentioned that the investigation would cover a wider array of alleged historical offenses compared to Poland's past focus solely on Nazi crimes. He also noted that it was "premature" to predict whether the compensation sought from Russia would exceed the existing demands from Germany, suggesting that Poland's inquiry could delve into various aspects of Soviet historical impact on the nation.

This lawsuit could have significant implications for Poland-Russia relations and further complicate Poland's historical narratives surrounding World War II and Soviet-era grievances. By pursuing reparations, Poland not only seeks to address its historical injustices but also aims to reinforce its national identity in the context of its tumultuous past, highlighting the ongoing debates over accountability and restitution in post-war Europe.