Europe may soon face strong pressure to negotiate with Moscow. However, Europe can agree on a deal that neither allows Russia to regain strength nor forces Ukraine to capitulate, as Kyiv deserves a just peace.
This was stated on Monday by Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski during his speech at the 30th Ambassadors’ Conference in Paris.
"Soon, we may face strong pressure to negotiate with Moscow. But what kind of deal could a prudent Europe agree to? Certainly not an ordinary deal that allows Moscow to regain its strength. Europe is much stronger than Russian leaders believe. Russia is much weaker than many Europeans think," Sikorski emphasized.
He stressed that Ukraine deserves and needs peace.
"But this must be peace on fair terms, not capitulation," Sikorski said.
According to him, Europe must not impose strict time limits on its support for Ukraine, as this would encourage Russia to continue the war.
"Instead, we must do everything possible to strengthen Kyiv's position in future negotiations," the Polish diplomat stressed.
Addressing Poland's upcoming presidency of the EU, Sikorski noted that Europe is currently losing its momentum, innovation, and competitive edge. He highlighted that in 1992, the EU's share of global GDP was 29%, while now it has dropped to 17%. Sikorski remarked that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated economic problems, the war in Ukraine exposed shortcomings in European defense, and migration pressures are forcing Europe to seek long-term solutions.
"Let us enhance Europe’s strategic responsibility and defense capabilities, not in opposition to the U.S., but in strategic harmony with Washington. This will require understanding and compromises on both sides of the Atlantic," Sikorski concluded.
