Poland warns Europe against rushing Russia talks

Europe must resist the temptation to negotiate with Russia too soon, warned Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. In an article published by The Economist, Sikorski stated that Russia considers Europe an enemy and aims to destroy its democratic civilization.

"We should not rush to appease it," Sikorski wrote. "When Mr. Putin is ready for peace, he will find a way to communicate it." He recalled past Western attempts to integrate Russia into the international community, noting that every U.S. administration since the fall of the Soviet Union has tried to include Russia.

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Russia considers us an enemy and wants to destroy our democratic civilization. We should not rush to appease it.

Sikorski also highlighted Poland's own efforts, including inviting Putin to Westerplatte for the 70th anniversary of World War II's outbreak and introducing visa-free travel for Russians from the Kaliningrad region. He mentioned facing personal criticism from the opposition for suggesting a democratic Russia could join NATO if it met all criteria. "We all tried. We were all rejected," he stated.

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When Mr. Putin is ready for peace, he will find a way to communicate it.

Despite Russian threats of escalation, Sikorski observed that many still fail to grasp the reality. He dismissed arguments for engaging with a weakened Russia before its regime collapses or the country disintegrates, or that Putin might be replaced by worse successors. He also rejected the idea that pressuring Moscow too hard could lead to escalation, including nuclear conflict.

"Both arguments are flawed," Sikorski asserted. He believes Russia is too centralized to break apart and that escalation threats are a long-standing Russian tactic to test Western resolve. "The question is no longer whether Russia is probing NATO. The question is whether NATO understands it is being probed, and what signal it intends to send so that gray zone activities do not escalate into full-blown confrontation," he warned.

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From the fall of the Soviet Union, every administration in the USA has tried to include Russia in the community.

Sikorski concluded that resuming political dialogue prematurely could strengthen the Kremlin's internal legitimacy, encourage hybrid operations, weaken European support for Ukraine, and deepen divisions within the democratic community. He urged Europe to be prepared for greater risks.

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We all tried. We were all rejected.