We will get a fair solution only once Russian elites have concluded that the original invasion was a mistake, and that the aim of rebuilding the Russian empire is unachievable, said Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski in an interview with TVP World. He emphasized that this requires pressure from the West and active support for Ukraine, including arms supplies. The minister also spoke about Polish diplomacy, the pursuit of security in Eastern Europe, and the challenges of international negotiations.
From Origins to Realities of War
During the interview, Sikorski recalled that Poland, together with Sweden, launched the Eastern Partnership in 2008–2009. The aim was to help Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and other countries move closer to EU standards.
According to the minister, some countries used this opportunity to become EU candidates, while others did not even try to move in that direction. He added that Poland’s long-term strategy included supporting democracy in neighboring countries and attempts to normalize relations with Russia. However, the Kremlin dictator quickly abandoned that course.
Pressure on Russia and Role of Sanctions
Sikorski stressed that the Kremlin has not yet realized that it cannot conquer Ukraine. He explained that the truth is often hidden from Putin. He also noted that at the current pace of Russian advances, a full occupation of Ukraine would take Putin decades.
If you look at the map of his military gains for last year, for which he paid with tens of thousands, possibly over a hundred thousand deaths of his soldiers, at this rate it would take him decades to conquer Ukraine. But this is the trouble with dictators, that once youʼve been in power for 20 years, there are very few people who tell you like it is, and people only bring you the good news. So I believe that war will end, the more pressure we pile on Putin, on the aggressor, not on the victim of aggression, explained the Polish foreign minister.
He also emphasized the need to continually update sanctions against Russia, including lists of tankers and crews that help export oil.
Support Then, Now, and in Future
The minister noted that Poland is not always present at all global negotiations on the Russo-Ukrainian war. However, it remains a key link in logistics and supply.
We are now, Iʼm losing count, on the 48th, I think, donation of equipment to Ukraine. But Ukraine is reciprocating by moving some of its production of drones and missiles to Poland, he said.
Sikorski also added that 44 billion euros within the EU initiative to strengthen the defense industry, and 90 billion dollars directly for Ukraine’s defense budget, can force Moscow to rethink its strategy and recognize that waging war in Ukraine was a mistake.
Minsk Agreements and Lessons from Past
The Polish foreign minister warned that past diplomatic mistakes, such as the Minsk agreements of 2014–2015, must not be repeated. Any future settlement must leave Ukraine with defensible borders and the freedom to integrate into the EU. He also expressed his opinion on possible concessions to Putin regarding the Donbas. He considers such a move unacceptable, as it would appear as a gift to the aggressor.
Europe and Its Defense Capabilities
Sikorski separately emphasized that Europe must strengthen its defense industry and armed forces. This is necessary to be able to independently deter Putin.
We need to do what we need to do, which is to rebuild our defense industry and to rebuild our militaries. Poland is ahead of the curve, but I am talking about most of Europe. To be able to deter Putin, irrespective of what the United States does, because intention is one thing, and the US has given us notice, but capability is another. If the US gets involved in a war in Asia, and we cannot exclude that, it might not be capable of helping us, he said.
Conclusions
Thus, Poland focuses on practical support for Ukraine and strengthening its own security. Sikorski’s analytical approach shows that sanctions pressure and a prolonged war can force the Kremlin to seek real compromises. Poland will continue to provide an important role in regional stabilization and in modernizing Europe’s defense structures, providing support to Ukraine and strengthening its own defense capabilities.
