Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski delivered a stark warning to Russia at the UN Security Council, directly addressing Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Sikorski rejected Moscow’s justifications for the war in Ukraine and cautioned against further escalation, stating that Russia “cannot win” by continuing the conflict.
Sikorski Rejects Russian Pretexts
During his address, Sikorski directly countered Russian claims regarding Ukraine’s 2014 political changes and the rights of Russian speakers. He highlighted that Ukraine’s parliament voted President Viktor Yanukovych out of office, with support even from members of his own party. Sikorski also rejected the assertion that Russian is entirely banned in Ukraine, suggesting that concerns about minority language rights could be addressed through the Council of Europe’s Convention on the Protection of National Minorities, rather than through military force. “He does not have the right to send tanks and ballistic missiles into Ukraine,” Sikorski stated.
Warnings of Escalation Beyond Ukraine
Sikorski warned that Russian attacks and operations are extending beyond Ukraine’s borders, affecting European civilians, infrastructure, and locations near borders. He described incidents involving transport, border crossings, and airspace in Europe, alleging that Russia is escalating attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. “These are not isolated incidents. It’s a pattern,” he remarked, cautioning that cyberattacks, sabotage, and military pressure form a wider pattern. He further warned that a Russian attempt to provoke a NATO country could spread the conflict, urging the international community to take the risk of further escalation seriously.
A Path to Peace?
In a direct appeal, Sikorski told the Russian delegation that Russia can stop the war at any time and urged it not to endanger Europe and the wider world further. “You can still kill a lot of people but you cannot win,” he asserted. He concluded with a direct message to Lavrov: “Sergey, I know you’re listening. Tell your boss enough is enough.” Sikorski also proposed internationally supervised presidential elections in both Russia and Ukraine on the same day, presenting this as a potential way to address claims about the democratic legitimacy of elections.
What did Sikorski say about Ukraine’s 2014 events?
Sikorski stated that Ukraine’s parliament voted President Viktor Yanukovych out of office in 2014, with members of his own party participating in the vote.
What was Sikorski’s warning about Russian actions?
Sikorski warned that Russian attacks and operations are escalating beyond Ukraine, affecting European civilians and infrastructure, and that Russia could attempt to provoke a NATO country, potentially spreading the conflict.
What proposal did Sikorski make?
He proposed internationally supervised presidential elections in Russia and Ukraine on the same day, suggesting it could address concerns about election legitimacy.
