“We want the NATO summit to be a success and for Europe’s standing vis-à-vis the United States to rise, so that we have an influence on the outcome of US-Russian negotiations regarding Ukraine,” Sikorski said at a joint news conference with the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas.
He said the process must lead to “a new balance on the European continent,” ensuring that Ukraine “is within secure borders and can develop, gravitate toward Europe and negotiate its membership in the European Union.”
“It must also be a process that reassures not only Ukraine but us as well that Russia will not be capable of renewed aggression,” he added.
Kallas said that despite escalating tensions in the Middle East, Europe must not lose sight of the war in Ukraine.
Europe cannot respond in a limited or minimalist way, because that is what Russia wants, she said, calling for the adoption of another sanctions package against Moscow, including a full ban on seaborne Russian oil exports.
Kallas said Ukraine’s demands—respect for its borders, compensation for war damage and the return of abducted children—were fundamental.
She noted that EU foreign ministers had agreed on EUR 90 billion in loans for Ukraine and said the EU was working on its contribution to security guarantees through missions, support for Ukraine’s defence industry and monitoring of a potential ceasefire.
Kallas said the meeting clearly communicated that Ukraine's EU accession is a strategic goal and also an important security guarantee.
Addressing concerns that the conflict in the Middle East could divert attention from Ukraine, Kallas said the war launched by Russia remains a direct threat to Europe and must stay high on the EU agenda.
Sikorski pointed to Iran’s supply of Shahed drones to Russia, saying that tens of thousands have struck Ukraine.
He voiced hope that US decision makers "understand that Russia and Iran are in this together and that it requires a response.”
Kallas also said the EU was monitoring reports that a ballistic missile launched from Iran had been intercepted by NATO while heading toward Turkey.
She noted that NATO’s Article 4 and Article 5 provisions, as well as the EU’s mutual defence clause under Article 42.7 of the bloc’s treaty, could be invoked if requested by member states, but said no such request had been made.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP
Click on the audio player above for a report by Michał Owczarek.