During the Munich Security Conference, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski emphasized that Europe, currently bearing the main financial burdens of supporting Ukraine, must participate in future peace talks. The minister noted that U.S. dominance in negotiations was justified when Washington led in military aid, but the current cost structure has radically changed, giving Europeans the right to co-decide the conflict's outcome.

Europe's Claims to Negotiations

Radosław Sikorski believes that Europe's financing of military support gives it the right to participate in peace talks.

NATO's Defense Readiness

Secretary General Mark Rutte declared that the Alliance would win any clash with Russia, which is suffering record human losses.

Analysis of Putin's Stance

German Minister Boris Pistorius revealed that Vladimir Putin deliberately ignores Europe as a partner for talks.

During the Munich Security Conference, Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski delivered a firm speech that was met with applause from the assembled delegates. The head of Polish diplomacy argued that the European Union should have a seat at the peace talks table regarding ending the war in Ukraine. Sikorski pointed to a fundamental shift in the support structure: while previously the United States was the main payer, the financial and military burden now largely rests on the shoulders of European countries, which buy American weapons to transfer them to Kyiv. The minister stressed that the outcome of this confrontation will directly impact the continent's security, so Europe cannot be merely an observer of diplomatic processes. The Munich Security Conference (MSC), held since 1963, is the world's most important forum for discussions on civilian and military security policy, gathering heads of state, ministers, and experts from across the globe. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also spoke in the discussion, supporting Sikorski's demands but noting the difficulties in their implementation. According to Pistorius, it is Vladimir Putin who refuses dialogue with Europe, and the administration in Washington has so far accepted this state of affairs. The German politician warned that without Russia's will and U.S. support, Europe is unable to force a place at the negotiations on its own. At the same time, it was emphasized that the credibility of the transatlantic alliance depends on mutual respect for interests and predictability of actions on both sides of the ocean. 65 tys. — Russian soldiers have died in the last two months An important part of the conference was the speech by NATO Secretary General NATO, Mark Rutte. He assured the Alliance's full combat readiness, declaring that the organization would win any battle with Russia if it dared to commit aggression. Rutte compared the pace of the Russian offensive to a "garden snail," undermining the myth of the Kremlin's military might. He noted that Russian losses are enormous, and NATO remains united in seeking a just peace for Ukraine. „If we are the ones paying, we deserve a seat at the negotiating table, because the outcome of this war will concern us.” — Radosław Sikorski Key moments of the Munich conference: February 14, noon — Rutte's Speech; February 14, 4:00 PM — Sikorski's Demand; February 14, 5:00 PM — Pistorius's Response

Mentioned People

  • Radosław Sikorski — Polish Foreign Minister, who strongly lobbies for Europe's agency in negotiations.
  • Mark Rutte — NATO Secretary General, emphasizing the Alliance's military superiority over Russia.
  • Boris Pistorius — German Defense Minister, pointing to Russian attempts to sideline Europe in diplomacy.