Europe’s pressure on Russia

In a discussion among foreign ministers on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Deputy Minister Bosacki stressed that the pressure on Russia should continue. The deputy head of Polish diplomacy thanked the gathering for adopting—on Poland’s initiative—the largest round of sanctions listings since Russia’ aggression began. The sanctions encompass nearly 1600 companies and individuals from the Russian military and industrial complex, people involved in the illegal election to the Russian Duma on occupied Ukrainian territories, and entities that facilitate circumventing the sanctions. The deputy foreign minister stressed that the Council’s adoption of the package on 12 October 2026 proves our resolve in supporting Ukraine.

Deputy Minister Bosacki called on the EU to reexamine the matter of using immobilised Russian assets to Ukraine’s benefit. He also urged the member states to tighten the visa policy towards Russia. The deputy minister noted that Poland does not issue tourist visas to Russian citizens. He found it incomprehensible that Russian tourists travel freely around the Schengen area while Russia bombs Ukraine’s civilians and infrastructure.

EU enlargement—security dimension

In a discussion on European security, Deputy Minister Bosacki emphasised the crucial role of EU enlargement in that regard. He offered an example of candidate countries that contribute their relevant experience, referring to Ukraine with its new defence and industrial capacities, topped with experience in operations during conventional, hybrid, and cyber conflict.

Deputy Minister Bosacki spoke about the possibility to draw on Ukraine’s military experience in ensuring broader European security, including in the EU’s missions on the territory of European neighbourhood. He also extended a reassurance that Poland is ready to assist Western Balkan EU candidate countries in combatting Russian disinformation.

Need for countering FIMI

During an unofficial debate in the Council on countering foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) and strategic communications, Deputy Minister Bosacki welcomed a more offensive approach to the matter proposed by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.

He conveyed Poland’s readiness to share its experience and expertise in order to enhance the EU’s strategic communications. Also, the deputy foreign minister emphasised that sanctions are essential in combatting Russia’s FIMI ecosystem and called for strengthening the Union’s sectors responsible for proceeding on proposed sanctions. He observed that the EU’s messages must be communicated also to Russian-language audiences.