EU foreign ministers: Putin’s Russia remains of the gravest threats to global and European security

On Tuesday, a meeting of foreign ministers from Poland, Germany, France, and Italy - Radosław Sikorski, Annalena Baerbock, Jean-Noël Barrot, and Antonio Tajani - was held at the Palace on the Isle in Warsaw's Łazienki Park. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy joined the talks remotely. The meeting also included Kaja Kallas, the future EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who had been invited to the meeting, was unable to attend.

At a press conference following discussions, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski declared: "In recent days, more bombs and missiles have struck Ukrainian cities. In the name of his imperial arrogance, Putin is murdering Ukrainians and sending waves of his soldiers to their deaths. This meeting is a clear symbol of our solidarity and unity with the Ukrainian nation - a nation that defends its independence with determination and courage against brutal invaders."

Sikorski emphasized the consensus among diplomats that imposing peace solutions on Ukraine contrary to its interests or lacking public support would negatively affect the country’s stability. "Conflict resolution scenarios and the end of Russian aggression must be developed in close collaboration with Ukrainian authorities," he asserted.

The foreign ministers supported maintaining and strengthening sanctions against Russia until it withdraws from Ukrainian territory and pays for the country’s reconstruction. "Sanctions effectively weaken Russia’s military potential by isolating it economically. Any gaps in the sanctions system must be sealed," Sikorski noted.

He concluded with a stark warning: "We harbor no illusions - Putin’s Russia will remain one of the gravest threats to global and European security. Its goal continues to be the permanent dismantling of Europe’s security architecture. We must firmly counter its imperial ambitions."

During discussions with European counterparts, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski highlighted the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic ties as a shared interest that amplifies political, economic, and military influence. "In the current geopolitical situation, cooperation between Europe and the United States remains crucial for the security and prosperity of the transatlantic community. Only strong transatlantic bonds will enable us to effectively counter growing threats from Russia and other states," Sikorski asserted.

He also stressed the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its security through a more balanced burden-sharing within NATO. "Strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities should complement the continued US commitment to European security," he added.

He reported that, together with Kallas, they discussed possibilities for increasing support for Ukraine. "I note with appreciation the readiness of the largest countries in the European Union to take on the burden of military and financial support for Ukraine, especially in the context of a potential reduction in U.S. involvement," he said.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani spoke about plans to organize a joint conference dedicated to Ukraine's reconstruction.

"We must begin planning even as the war persists," Tajani stated. He emphasized the importance of rebuilding Ukraine’s energy transmission networks to prevent winter from becoming Russia’s ally.

"In February, we signed an agreement to restore part of Ukraine's energy grid. We must ensure that this is the last winter of this war," he added.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the need to reinforce NATO’s European pillar, committing to defense investments that "significantly exceed" 2% of GDP.

She also stressed the strength of a united and free European Union, stating, "A free world is a strong world, not a weak one."

Baerbock highlighted the importance of sustaining close transatlantic relations, regardless of the US president’s identity. "What matters is the closeness of the relationship between the United States and Europe," she said, adding, "We cannot afford a pause in securing peace in Europe."

Earlier, in an interview with RMF radio, Sikorski had emphasized that the meeting, held after a multi-year hiatus, is a so-called "Weimar Plus." He assessed it as proof that "Poland is being recognized as an influential country."

"Poland has a seat at the table where key decisions will be made," the minister stated.

He acknowledged that the intensified Russian airstrikes on Ukraine and the outcome of the US presidential elections were driving factors for the meeting. Anticipating a more demanding stance from President-elect Donald Trump, Sikorski remarked: "The question is whether the European Union is ready for this challenge."

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski highlighted Poland’s priorities for the meeting, emphasizing the need to ask "the most critical questions."

"Specifically, are the major EU nations prepared to secure funding to purchase more ammunition, invest in Ukraine's defense industry, and provide Ukraine with greater combat capabilities? The goal is to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position next year, as the Russian economy begins to collapse," Sikorski stated.

"This is what today’s debate will focus on - issues that are most critical for our region," Sikorski concluded.