As geopolitical tensions intensify across Eastern Europe, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has issued a stark warning: the continent must prepare for a potential military confrontation with Russia before the end of this decade.
Speaking on Polish radio station TOK FM, Sikorski emphasized that while Russia is currently unable to defeat Ukraine unaided, a future in which it harnesses Ukraine’s industrial, military, and human resources would dramatically shift the balance of power.
A Strategic Wake-Up Call for Europe
“In its current state, Russia cannot win against Ukraine alone,” Sikorski said. “But if it manages to fully exploit Ukraine’s potential—including its armed forces, the largest in Europe among U.S. allies—the situation would change completely.”
He added that Europe must anticipate a scenario in which Russia is capable of launching a broader offensive by the late 2020s.
At present, Russia’s offensive capacity is limited by its ongoing war in Ukraine. But Sikorski warned that a forced Ukrainian capitulation could hand Moscow the leverage it needs to reassert itself militarily in the region and beyond.
Diplomacy in Parallel with Deterrence
Sikorski’s remarks come as the United States, Russia, and Ukraine continue indirect negotiations in Saudi Arabia. While he expressed hope for a ceasefire and eventual peace, he noted that Ukraine remains an unwilling victim of aggression and deserves robust international backing.
“Ukraine must survive as a sovereign nation, free to choose its leaders and alliances,” he stressed, reaffirming Poland’s commitment to Ukraine’s independence and European integration.
As reported by Digi24, Sikorski’s message is a clarion call for Europe’s strategic planners. With the outcome of the war in Ukraine still uncertain, the future of continental stability may hinge on proactive defense measures taken now.
