European entities express gratitude for President Trump's initiatives, yet assert their autonomy to determine their own choices independently
Europe and Ukraine Stress Importance of Pressure on Russia in Conflict Resolution
In an interview with the BBC, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski reiterated the shared stance of Europe and Ukraine that peace in the ongoing conflict can only come by placing pressure on Russia, the aggressor, not on Ukraine, the victim.
Sikorski emphasized the necessity of Ukraine's active participation in all ceasefire and peace talks, stating that no negotiations should take place without Ukraine's involvement. He underlined the importance of the terms of peace, urging Western efforts to focus on making Russian President Putin abandon his plans to conquer Ukraine.
The Polish Foreign Minister also highlighted the importance of respecting Ukraine's territorial integrity and borders, underscoring the legal and historical guarantees of Ukraine’s sovereignty. Sikorski noted that as foreigners, they should not tell the victim of aggression how to appease the aggressor.
Sikorski expressed support for the US using its political capital to help end the war and called for a coordinated transatlantic stance, reflecting a broader European consensus. European leaders, including Poland, also coordinate closely to strengthen the US position in negotiations and increase pressure on Russia.
Ukraine’s position, supported by the EU and countries like Poland, demands clear security guarantees from the US and Europe as part of a peaceful settlement. The Coalition of the Determined (including France and the UK) has expressed readiness to deploy security forces in Ukraine after hostilities cease, aiming for a "just and lasting peace."
In conclusion, the shared European and Ukrainian stance, as conveyed by Sikorski, is that the conflict's resolution requires:
- Pressure on Russia, not on Ukraine
- Ukraine’s active participation in peace talks
- Respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and borders
- Clear security guarantees for Ukraine from Western allies
- Support for Ukraine’s sovereignty without forcing territorial concessions.
[1] BBC News - Sikorski: Putin is considered a war criminal in Europe [2] Reuters - Europe now provides the majority of weapons and financial assistance to Ukraine [3] The Guardian - Sikorski does not think it is appropriate to discuss publicly what Ukraine is willing to sacrifice for peace [4] AP News - The Ukrainian government, not foreigners, should decide how to appease the aggressor, according to Sikorski
- The European and Ukrainian approach towards war-and-conflicts, as expressed by Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, emphasizes the need for intense political pressure on Russia to facilitate conflict resolution, rather than forcing pressure on Ukraine.
- To attain a peaceful resolution, the shared European and Ukrainian stance, as advocated by Sikorski, calls for active Ukrainian participation in all ceasefire and peace talks, insisting that negotiations should not proceed without Ukraine's involvement.
