Speaking during a panel on Ukraine’s future and European security, Sikorski said Europe should have a direct role in talks on ending the war because it is shouldering most of the burden.
“Currently, it is us who are paying for the war. The American contribution last year was close to zero,” Sikorski said, drawing applause from the audience. He added that European countries are “buying American weapons to pass them on to Ukraine.”
“And since we are paying, we deserve a seat at the table,” he said, stressing that the outcome of the war will directly affect Europe’s security and its role in the future order.
Sikorski argued that the stakes go beyond Ukraine. “What is at stake is not only the future of Ukraine or NATO’s eastern flank, but also Europe’s position in the future security architecture,” he said.
He also said the United States could increase pressure on Russia to reach an agreement, noting that Washington has options it has not used. “Donald Trump is not wrong when he says that in this brutal world you have to show your cards,” Sikorski said.
If Ukraine were pushed into an unfavorable deal, he said Europe would continue its commitments. “Ukraine should decide when to make an agreement,” Sikorski said, adding that Russia’s president “will not be able to ignore us, because then we will become the main supplier of support for Ukraine.”
After the panel, Sikorski told reporters that NATO is changing and Europe will assume greater responsibility. “We have begun a mature transatlantic conversation about the future shape of NATO,” he said. “Europe will take on more responsibility for territorial defense on the continent.”
(jh)
Source: Polish Radio, PAP