Polish Minister to Putin: 'Refuse Help from North Korea and Iran First'

Written by Asger Risom

Mar.21 - 2025 1:39 PM CET

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Sikorski challenges Kremlin’s stance on foreign military aid, urges Russia to set example if it seeks de-escalation.

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Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radosław Sikorski, has strongly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent statements regarding Western aid to Ukraine. In response to Putin’s calls for an end to Ukraine’s mobilization and rearmament as a condition for a potential ceasefire, Sikorski suggested that if the Kremlin is genuinely concerned about reducing foreign involvement, it should begin by rejecting support from its own partners.

A Direct Challenge to Kremlin’s Narrative

“If Russia is concerned about foreign military supplies during a proposed ceasefire with Ukraine, it could take the lead by rejecting Iranian drones and North Korean artillery ammunition,” Sikorski stated, as reported by Digi24.

The Polish diplomat’s remarks came amid reports that Russia continues to receive military aid from Pyongyang and Tehran. Both countries have been accused of supplying munitions and equipment in support of Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

Sikorski’s comments were made in response to Putin’s recent statements urging the West to halt its support for Kyiv’s military. The Kremlin has argued that continued Western arms deliveries undermine prospects for a ceasefire.

European Leaders Dismiss Putin’s Appeal

Sikorski’s stance aligns with that of other European leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and the British government have all publicly rejected Putin’s request, reaffirming their commitment to supplying Ukraine with military assistance.

The coordinated Western response reflects a growing skepticism of Moscow’s intentions and a unified stance that any peace process must be grounded in mutual actions—not one-sided demands.

As diplomatic discussions continue, Warsaw’s message is clear: if Russia truly wants de-escalation, it must be prepared to lead by example.