Speaking about Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Minister Rau emphasised that a rapid increase in military assistance to Ukraine is crucial for the Ukrainian offensive to succeed. He welcomed the fact that Poland’s decision to donate MiG-29 jets encouraged its EU partners to consider similar steps. He called for an agreement on further tranches of support under the European Peace Facility, and for continued financing of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).

Poland’s chief diplomat noted that Poland is consistently advocating more sectoral and individual sanctions as part of the 11th package currently under negotiation.  Minister Rau hoped for the package to be adopted without further debilitating exceptions and to contain a strong anti-circumvention component.

Poland also calls for the EU to adopt sectoral sanctions targeting Belarus and to address the issue of sanctions aimed at Russian diamond imports and the civilian nuclear sector.  We are looking forward to the European Commission’s June report on Ukraine’s progress in implementing reforms. Poland opts for a swift launch of accession talks with Ukraine.

Minister Rau reiterated support for the peace initiative put forward by President Volodymyr Zelensky. He also noted that 21 May marks the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus.

The ministers also talked about selecting the state to hold the OSCE Chairmanship in 2024. Minister Rau emphasised that Poland supports the Estonian candidacy.

Talking to the foreign ministers of the Western Balkan states, the head of Poland’s MFA highlighted that in the new geopolitical context, increased cooperation is a counterpoise to the Russian influence in the region. Progressive integration with the EU is vital for a stable development of the countries in the region, and Poland supports European aspirations of the Western Balkans. Full cohesion between the foreign policies of all Western Balkan states and the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy remains high on the list of Polish priorities.

 

MFA Press Office