Minister Rau pointed out that France holds the presidency in a unique international context of Russian aggression against Ukraine. He stressed that the invasion has deeply affected all EU policies.

The chief of Polish diplomacy expressed his satisfaction with the EU’s adoption of the sixth sanctions package. At the same time, he stressed the need to continue work on a further round of restrictive measures that would cut Russia off from advanced western technologies, exclude all Russian and Belarusian banks from the SWIFT system, and introduce an embargo on Russian gas and petroleum products.  

The minister pointed out the need for the rapid delivery of advanced weapons to Ukraine. He noted the unprecedented military support provided to Ukraine from the European Peace Facility, stressing that Poland is providing additional bilateral military assistance to Ukraine worth billions of euros. The minister appreciated the partners’ assistance to Ukraine, facilitated by the logistics hub in Poland, and indicated Poland’s willingness to support further deliveries. The head of the Polish MFA referred to Ukraine’s integration aspirations and the European Council’s recognition of its EU candidate status as a welcome step that would send a strong signal of political support to Kyiv. Poland’s top diplomat supported the EU’s plans to rebuild Ukraine, and emphasised that they should be co-shaped by Ukrainians and that Russia must bear responsibility for war destruction, including financial responsibility. Minister Rau pointed out that humanitarian support for Ukraine must be continued as the civilian population’s needs far exceed the delivered aid.

The chief of Polish diplomacy referred to Belarus, stressing that Belarus has consistently supported Russian aggression against Ukraine. The minister said that the EU’s dialogue with Belarus must lead to an end to repression by the Minsk regime and to political reforms.

Minister Rau also commented on his recent visit to the Western Balkans, stressing that the EU needs to strengthen relations with the region, in particular as regards food and energy security. In his view, the EU’s enlargement policy should be reinvigorated and accession negotiations launched with Albania and North Macedonia.

The Polish foreign minister noted the need to counter the Kremlin’s propaganda, according to which the EU is allegedly responsible for the food crisis in Africa. Minister Rau highlighted Poland’s efforts to facilitate the export of Ukrainian grain through Polish seaports. He furthermore commented on the Polish chairmanship of the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe, which is facing unprecedented challenges from the blatant and persistent violations of international law and OSCE principles by one of the participating States.

 

Łukasz Jasina

MFA Press Spokesperson

 

Photo: Bartosz Peterman / MFA