Ukraine does not need assistance for capitulation: Sikorski advocates for a just peace and active European support
Poland’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, expressed a firm stance regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine and the level of international aid, emphasizing that Ukraine does not require help to capitulate.
According to him, the resolution of the conflict provoked by Russia can only be achieved through active participation of Ukraine and European partners, without whose involvement peace negotiations seem nearly impossible.
In an interview with BBC, Sikorski pointed out that after Joe Biden’s administration ended, the scale of American military and financial support diminished, placing the primary burden on Europe.
“We appreciate President Trump’s initiatives, but in Europe, we will make our own decisions,” the diplomat said, stressing the importance of including Kyiv in the peace process and international efforts to find a just resolution.
He underlined that in Europe, Putin is regarded as a war criminal, making negotiations involving him on EU territory unacceptable.
“We all seek peace, but it must be fair — meaning concessions from Russia and the reduction of its military ambitions,” he added.
Discussions about possible territorial concessions by Ukraine, such as under the premise “if Russia agrees to peace,” are dismissed by diplomats, who believe that true peace is unlikely without a change in Kremlin’s behavior.
Sikorski emphasized that Kyiv must decide what it is willing to sacrifice for peace and that foreigners should not advise victims of aggression on how to negotiate with their aggressor.
He also noted that a simple ceasefire would only serve as a temporary measure and that genuine peace can only be achieved by diminishing Russia’s military power and securing a fair settlement.
He views Russia’s imperial mindset as the core reason behind the war, which started in 2014 when Russia violated its previously signed agreement recognizing Ukraine’s borders.
“Why do you think they will honor any new agreements?” Sikorski rhetorically asked, highlighting the intractability of Russia’s policy towards Ukraine.
Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Waldemar Pawlak, emphasized the importance of Ukrainian President Zelensky’s participation in the planned meeting between Trump and Putin on August 15.
According to him, it is illogical to discuss Ukraine’s security without its representatives.
“Trump’s goal, as I understand from his advisers, is to reach a fair and lasting peace.
Poland has been supporting Ukraine for a long time, and this is a strategic choice,” Pawlak said.
He added that the world has moved closer than ever to a ceasefire and hopes that the upcoming meeting will positively impact Europe’s, Ukraine’s, and Poland’s security.
However, he stressed that even if peace is achieved, Poland will continue modernizing its armed forces, as Russia and its allies are actively working to restore their strength during this period.
“We cannot afford to waste this time.
We have a plan, and we are ready to act if necessary,” he assured.
The exact date and location of the US-Russia summit on Ukraine are yet to be announced, but all eyes are on the possibility of meaningful decisions to de-escalate the conflict.