Sikorski expressed solidarity “above all with Ukraine,” noting that Russian forces strike Ukrainian cities “almost every night.” He said that attacks on urban areas and civilian infrastructure constitute war crimes. Sikorski made the remarks during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wicklow, Ireland.
He added that Germany, a Polish ally, had also been targeted. “One for all, all for one — Poland, together with other allies, will do everything necessary to support any ally that is attacked,” he said.
Sikorski argued that Russia is conducting hybrid operations against Poland and must be shown “that we will not be intimidated.” He said Europe no longer lives in a period of normal peace and that hybrid warfare now includes “assassin squads, arson attacks, blowing up moving trains, as in Poland, and violating airspace with drones and cruise missiles.”
He also commented on a Financial Times report claiming Russia is helping Iran develop hypersonic missiles. “This is very disturbing. I hope that Putin’s reckless actions — arming Iran and helping it close the Strait of Hormuz — will be met with a decisive international response,” he said.
Sikorski stated that the EU should respond to Russia’s actions with additional sanctions. He noted that a proposal to impose restrictions on around 1,620 companies and individuals linked to Russia’s war effort is awaiting political approval. “We should pass this in response to Putin’s attacks on Germany and other countries,” he said.
He also argued that Russian diplomats and intelligence officers should face greater restrictions in Europe. Possible measures include closing Russian consulates, limiting diplomats’ travel outside their host country and reducing the number of Russian diplomatic staff, many of whom he described as active agents. Sikorski recalled that Poland had already closed all Russian consulates and said Russians should be required to use biometric passports.
Asked whether recent Russian actions had increased the sense of urgency among EU states, Sikorski said yes, adding that he hoped the Wicklow discussions would help shape a broader strategy.
He acknowledged that economic interests complicate agreement on further sanctions but stressed that “without security, there are no economic interests. Therefore, security should come first.”
The two‑day informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, held in the Gymnich format, is taking place in Wicklow. Key topics include Russia’s war against Ukraine and European security.
(pu)
Source: PAP