When discussing the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Minister Zbigniew Rau made a point that Russia’s hostilities, regular shelling of civilian targets, and Russification of occupied territories prove that Russia is not willing to bring the aggression to an end. Consequently, the EU’s continued unwavering support for Ukraine plays an indispensable part in ensuring the country’s victory. The head of the Polish MFA called for the supply of weapons for Ukraine to be stepped up, endorsing the proposal for the fifth tranche of EUR 500 million in military aid under the European Peace Facility. He also stressed that the EU should systematically increase sanctions pressure. Minister Rau assessed that more actions are needed to undermine Russia’s economy and its military capabilities, such as a broader ban on high-tech exports and a radical departure from using the Russian energy sources. Poland’s chief diplomat added that the EU and all its member states must act towards quashing the criminal ideology of the Russkiy Mir (Russian World).

In the context of the global food crisis triggered by the Russian aggression, Minister Rau highlighted the efforts Poland has been making to increase the throughput of Polish transport routes, calling on the EU to lend support. He underlined that once Ukraine is granted  EU candidate status, Poland hopes Ukraine will quickly fulfill the European Commission’s recommendations presented in its June opinion, and the European Union will assist Kyiv in this respect.

Regarding relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, Minister Rau supported plans to intensify dialogue and collaboration with the region. He noted that Latin American produce and the abundance of natural resources (including lithium and copper) can be used as alternative means of increasing security of supply chains. The minister underlined that Russian disinformation and manipulation jeopardise political processes across the world, including in Latin America. He also said that the trade and association agreements currently negotiated between the EU and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are essential from the perspective of both the economy and the geopolitical competition in the region.

During the discussion on digital diplomacy, the head of Polish foreign ministry backed the initiative of setting up EU’s digital diplomacy network to shape the global digital order in line with the EU’s values and interests. He underlined that the efforts made in this domain must follow the EU’s previous activity regarding cybersecurity. Minister Rau stressed that strengthening the EU’s cybersecurity instruments would become essential in the face of threats posed by Russia’s aggression.

 

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Press Spokesperson