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Poland’s Foreign Minister has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that he should fear a war with NATO because it will result in Russia’s defeat. 

During a speech, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said, “It is not we, the West, who should fear a clash with Putin, but the other way around. It is worth reminding about this, not to increase the sense of threat in the Russians, because NATO is a defensive pact, but to show that an attack by Russia on any of the members of the Alliance would end in [Russia’s] inevitable defeat.”

Sikorski’s warning comes as Western allies continue to warn that Russia’s military ambitions could extend beyond Ukraine, a claim that Russia has labeled as “propaganda.” 

Further addressing national and Alliance strategies, Sikorski advocated for Polish involvement in the reconstruction of Ukraine’s economy post-conflict, insisting on accountability for Russia regarding the damages caused. He added, “Putin’s only hope is our lack of determination.”

Sikorski also touched on Poland’s support for Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union. He recalled Poland’s journey to EU membership in 2004, which faced similar reservations, using the current situation in Ukraine as a parallel to strengthen the case for its integration in the EU.