The meeting was aimed at preparing for talks with Russia as part of the US-Russia strategic stability dialogue, the NATO-Russia Council, as well as at the OSCE forum. The ministers agreed that in the face of a threat to peace in Europe the whole Alliance has to stay united and demonstrate solidarity. A strong and coherent reaction of NATO and EU countries will be an adequate response to demands put forward by Russia with respect to Europe and the United States.

In his address, Minister Zbigniew Rau emphasised that the Alliance must send a clear message that “talks with Russia cannot be held in a situation of escalation of its attitude towards Ukraine and NATO”. The Alliance is ready to adopt strong deterrence and defence measures to ensure the security of its members. Minister Rau noted that the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, chaired by Poland since 1 January 2022, is the appropriate forum to discuss security in Europe, as all countries affected by the current situation are members of the OSCE.

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Press Spokesperson