The ministers discussed the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine, both for Europe and globally, and the way forward to ensure the security of Allies. Poland’s chief diplomat stressed the importance of strong transatlantic relations for effectively countering Russia’s aggressive tactics and presented Polish expectations ahead of this year’s NATO summit in The Hague, including the strengthening of collective defence in the face of the Russia threat and the need to provide further support for Ukraine.

At the meeting of the NATO–Ukraine Council, the foreign ministers of NATO countries and Ukraine discussed the current situation at the front and Kyiv’s needs to ensure effective defence against the Russian aggressor. Allies reaffirmed their ironclad support for embattled Ukraine and the need to maintain close relations between NATO and Kyiv.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas outlined the European Commission’s latest measures to support EU member states in the development of defence capabilities. NATO and EU defence cooperation is essential and beneficial to all NATO members. Minister Sikorski reiterated that boosting Europe’s security is a priority of the current Polish EU presidency. The ministers defined the main objective as intensifying EU support for Ukraine and strengthening Europe’s capabilities and readiness to defend itself. These efforts complement NATO’s actions.

NATO foreign ministers also met with representatives of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. They praised the close cooperation with these global partners of the North Atlantic Alliance, especially in terms of support for Ukraine as it fights the invasion. The talks also focused on the destructive actions of Russia and its allies that strike at the security of both the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific.

The head of Polish diplomacy also held bilateral talks with his counterpart from the Netherlands, Caspar Veldkamp, to discuss preparations for the NATO summit in The Hague and the current security situation in Europe.

 

Photo: Konrad Laskowski/MFA