Radosław Sikorski: Russia is ruining the Ukrainian economy. He wants to cause another wave of refugees

Radosław Sikorski was asked about his assessment of the situation in Ukraine. The conversation also included a question about whether he agrees with Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines that the Russian bombing of critical infrastructure is intended to make it more difficult for Ukraine to transport troops and equipment, and that the war will not end soon.

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– I agree. In addition, I think that the Russians are trying to ruin the Ukrainian economy to cause another wave of refugees. These are all forbidden tactics. These are war crimes, he said.

Speaking about the situation on the front, he pointed to a “mixed picture”, because although the Russians took the initiative on land, Ukraine defeated the Russian Black Sea Fleet, which enabled it to resume grain exports by sea. He also added that Ukraine managed to prevent Russian domination in the air, although he noted that the shortage of missiles for Patriot systems allowed Russians to bomb power plants, civilian targets and gas storage facilities.

Sikorski also thanked President Biden and Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson for adopting the new aid package for Ukraine, noting that it equalizes US and European spending for this purpose.

– I just hope that equipment produced in the United States will reach the front to help these heroes defend their country – he added.

When asked about the upcoming anniversary NATO summit in Washington in July, Sikorski emphasized that Poland is a leader, even surpassing the US, when it comes to defense spending, and is trying to mobilize other allies to meet their spending commitments at the level of 2%. GDP.

– We don't know if Putin will stop. Putin threatens other countries, he is a threat to all of us. We came to the aid of the United States when you were attacked on September 11. Poland itself sent a brigade first to Iraq and then to Afghanistan. Now we need you in Central Europe, said the minister. He also added that NATO is returning to its original role of deterring Russia.

– We won the first time and I think we will do the same the second time – he announced.

Sikorski has been visiting Washington since Friday. On Saturday he met, among others, with General Keith Kellog, former national security advisor to the US Vice President, and today an activist of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), which is close to Trump. He also held a meeting with the newly appointed director of the National Security Council for European Affairs in the White House, Mike Carpenter, and experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) think-tank.