‘Ceasefire First’: Poland Warns Against US-Russia Deal on Europe’s Security

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski warned Friday, Nov. 6, that Ukraine must not be forced into peace negotiations under Russian bombardment, demanding an immediate ceasefire before any discussions on reshaping Europe’s security architecture. Speaking in Warsaw after a meeting of the Council of the Baltic Sea States, attended by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Sikorski laid out a strict sequence for ending Russia’s war.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “First, a ceasefire, then negotiations on lasting peace, and only afterward possible discussions on restoring Europe’s security architecture and arms control arrangements,” he said. “No solution can be imposed on Ukraine without its consent and participation at the table. Likewise, Europe’s security cannot be discussed without our involvement.” His remarks came as Washington prepares to mediate talks between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi next week, with President Donald Trump’s administration proposing a broader European security framework involving Moscow. As Kyiv Post reported, Kallas and Sybiha have also rejected the prospect of Europe being excluded from negotiations determining its security. Sikorski stressed that countries on NATO’s eastern flank would be particularly affected by any agreement and must have a voice in shaping it. “Ukraine should not negotiate its future under the pressure of attacks on civilians,” he said, referring to Russia’s continued war crimes and strikes on Ukrainian cities. Other Topics of Interest Ukraine Approves Unified Procedure for Identifying Deceased Military Personnel, Civilians The move will help eliminate unnecessary delays, improve the quality of investigations, and ensure better coordination between teams, Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi said. The Polish foreign minister also argued that Kyiv currently holds the advantage on the battlefield, emphasizing that Ukraine should not be pressured into accepting Russian demands. “Strengthening deterrence capabilities is not intended to escalate tensions,” Sikorski said. “Russia must understand that its continued aggression will carry increasing costs and consequences.” Poland demands tougher sanctions and Russian tourist visa ban Sikorski called for an end to Schengen tourist visas for Russian citizens, questioning why Moscow’s nationals continued enjoying freedom of movement across Europe while Russia wages war against Ukraine. He said Russian citizens received 623,000 Schengen visas in 2025, with 84% issued for tourism. By comparison, Poland issued just 100 visas to Russians during the same period, primarily to political dissidents on humanitarian grounds, according to Sikorski. He urged European governments to stop issuing tourist visas to Russians and impose further restrictions on Kremlin-linked individuals, Russian athletes and veterans who fought against Ukraine. “Russia, which is trying to destroy the European Union from within, should not enjoy the privileges of free movement across Europe,” he said. Sikorski also called for tougher sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet and companies supporting its operations. He urged technology companies and social media platforms to cooperate more closely in countering Russian cyberattacks and information warfare. “Russia’s sources of financing its war machine must be further restricted,” he said. Warsaw also supports continued efforts to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction. “The aggressor must bear responsibility for the consequences of the war it unleashed,” Sikorski said. Poland pledges $2 million for Ukrainian generators, prepares military drills Sikorski announced an additional 8 million zlotys ($2 million) through the Energy Community to purchase generators for Ukraine ahead of winter. “Our priority is supporting Ukraine’s preparations for the coming winter and strengthening the resilience of its energy sector,” he said. The announcement comes as Russia continues striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure, threatening electricity and heating supplies during the colder months. Sikorski also highlighted Poland’s role in the Coalition of the Willing, announcing that nearly 2,000 Polish troops would participate in the multinational KOALICJA 26.2 exercises scheduled for Nov. 9-22. The drills will involve forces from Poland and 11 other countries, preparing for a possible multinational deployment to support Ukraine following a cessation of hostilities. Poland will also lead support operations for the multinational force. Sikorski reaffirmed Warsaw’s commitment to Ukraine and European security, emphasizing that Russia must not be allowed to dictate the continent’s future. “Together, we defend the security of all Europe,” he concluded. “Peace, sanctions, solidarity.” Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.