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Polish FM discusses Middle East and Ukraine conflicts at Brussels meeting

23.06.2025 13:10
The European Union tried to ease Middle East tensions, but Iran prioritized uranium enrichment, and Russia took advantage of the crisis to escalate its attacks on Ukraine, Poland’s Foreign Minister stated at an EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski speaks to the press during the European Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Belgium, 23 June 2025.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski speaks to the press during the European Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Belgium, 23 June 2025. Photo: OLIVIER HOSLET/PAP/EPA

On Monday, June 23, during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski acknowledged that the European Union had attempted to defuse the conflict in the Middle East, with diplomatic efforts led by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Sikorski assured that the EU had done everything in its power, including warning Iran that failure to abandon uranium enrichment could lead to an attack. In his view, “it was Iran that decided uranium enrichment was more important to them.”

At the Brussels meeting, Sikorski acknowledged concerns that the Middle East crisis is overshadowing the Ukraine conflict in international attention. He noted that Russia has taken advantage of the situation to intensify airstrikes, causing more destruction in Kyiv and other cities.

The head of Polish diplomacy also expressed confidence that the EU will agree on its 18th sanctions package against Russia this week, stressing that despite Russia’s war-driven economy and reckless leadership ambitions, the EU must continue its efforts.

The Polish FM also warned that rising tensions in the Middle East are pushing oil prices up, which in turn boosts revenue for the Russian budget.

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Source: IAR/MSZ