Russia to pose threat to Europe even after reaching ceasefire with Kyiv, warns Polish FM

Russia would continue to threaten peace in Europe even after a ceasefire agreement is reached over conflict in Ukraine, said Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau on Tuesday. During a press conference alongside his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock, Rau said that it would be “daydreaming” to think that Russia would change immediately after ceasefire is pledged in Moscow-Kyiv war. Polish Foreign Minister even expressed fears of his country facing a Russian invasion. 

Rau said, “That Russia changes immediately after a ceasefire has been agreed is daydreaming. It would remain a danger for peace in Europe”. Not only did he fear Russian invasion into Poland, but also “ danger of an armed invasion of countries in NATO eastern flank.”

According to Rau, both Poland and Germany must strive for Russia “to suffer a strategic defeat and its occupation forces to leave Ukraine within borders recognized by international law”.

Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister me it evident that Donetsk region belongs to Ukraine. Baerbock said, “Ukraine is a sovereign state within its borders and this is true for now, this is true since 2014 and this is true for future.” On Tuesday, Baerbock welcomed her newly-appointed French counterpart Carine Colonna after having met her Polish colleague Zbigniew Rau, who was visiting Berlin.

‘Germany should play a leing role’, said Rau

In same press conference, Rau called for Germany to “play a leing role” in building both security and peace, including in Ukraine. Rau also told press conference, “re is no doubt that today Germany should take a leing role in building a system of security and defending peace in Europe, a peace which includes Ukraine, but is directed against Russia”. Polish Foreign Minister said, “We trust that Germany will take on such a role, helping Ukraine win war with Russia and leing it ultimately to European Union."

Rau also expressed hope that Germany would back Ukraine's application for European Union (EU) membership. "I know that on German side re exists a will for such action." "re is no alternative to that because orwise, it would le to an erosion of Germany's trustworthiness." Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Colonna also said that 27-nation-bloc must opt sixth package of sanctions against Russia at earliest.

In a separate conference alongside Baerbock, Colonna said, “We have to quickly opt sixth package of sanctions which will foresee progressive end of imports of Russian oil”.

Image: AP