The time has come to strengthen Europe's role in peace efforts — not as an alternative to the main US-led diplomatic track, but as an important complement to it. European engagement in the peace process could help advance specific issues, including a ceasefire around airports.
This was stated by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha during his participation in the conference "Strategic Ark" organised by the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM) in Warsaw. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Radosław Sikorski also took part in the discussion.
"We expect that six clusters will be opened in the near future. We look forward to the support of the Polish side. This also serves the interests of Poland and all of Europe," the Ukrainian Foreign Minister said.
The Minister once again stressed the need to maintain pressure on Moscow, sustain US engagement, and raise the cost for Russia of continuing its aggression.
According to him, Putin must come to understand that he will never achieve his goals in Ukraine, and that Russian manpower is no longer an advantage — thanks to Ukrainian drones in the air, at sea and on land.
"Ukrainian drone technology is a game changer and a factor that gives us an edge. Over the past years I have accumulated a small collection of diplomatic notes from very influential states urging us not to strike Russia during parades attended by their leaders. This is an acknowledgement of our capabilities, and yet another signal: do not underestimate Ukraine. Ukraine holds its ground, and we have strong arguments," the Foreign Minister remarked.
Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine is open to a Drone Deal with the US and the EU, is cooperating with American partners, and is prepared to contribute to the protection of EU airspace with its own drones and technologies.
"This concerns our unique combat experience, advanced technologies and joint production. We are interested in scaling up this cooperation, as it serves our common interests. We also have agreements on sending Ukrainian instructors to train the armies of partner states," the Minister noted.
The Foreign Minister also reported that there are no delays in arms supplies from the US under the PURL programme. At the same time, he stressed that partners must strengthen their own capacity to produce critically important weapons and equipment. The Minister added that Ukraine is open to such cooperation with allies, including Poland.
"Throughout the war we have learned an important lesson — the need to be more self-sufficient. We have scaled up the defence-industrial complex and currently meet over 40% of the army's needs. At the same time, Ukraine requires air defence systems capable of intercepting ballistic targets. We are now making progress in building our own national air defence system," he said.
In this context, the Minister noted that Ukraine has already approached a number of partners regarding the possibility of localising the production of certain critically important types of weapons, and has received a number of serious proposals.
Andrii Sybiha also emphasised that Ukraine's support for Gulf states amid Iranian terror has demonstrated Ukraine's new role as a security partner and security exporter.