Munich, Germany – Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski garnered applause at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, February 14, 2026, although discussing the shifting financial burden of supporting Ukraine and calling for a greater role for European nations in negotiations regarding the ongoing conflict. The remarks come as uncertainty grows over continued U.S. Aid packages for Kyiv.
Sikorski stated that European nations are now bearing the brunt of the financial cost of the war. “Now it is Europe that is paying for this war,” he said, adding that his country is purchasing American weaponry specifically to deliver to Ukrainian forces. “We are buying American weapons to deliver them to Ukraine. There is no package in Congress and there isn’t even a prospect of a package.”
The Foreign Minister emphasized that with increased financial contributions from Europe, there should be a corresponding increase in influence. “If we pay, we deserve a place at the table, as the outcome of this war will affect us,” Sikorski stated, prompting a standing ovation from the audience. This sentiment reflects a growing desire among some European leaders to have a more prominent voice in shaping the future of the conflict and any potential peace talks.
Sikorski likewise commented on the role of the United States in previous negotiations, noting that it was “natural” for the U.S. To lead discussions when it provided the majority of military support. He further stated that the U.S. Was “brave and effective in providing intelligence information to deprive Russia of a casus belli, a pretext for starting the conflict before and at the remarkably beginning of the war.”
The Minister’s comments come amid concerns about the future of U.S. Aid to Ukraine, as a new aid package remains stalled in the U.S. Congress. The development underscores the increasing pressure on European nations to step up their support for Ukraine, both financially and diplomatically.
During the conference, Sikorski also offered a skeptical view of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stated desire for peace. “Putin says he wants peace. Every dictator says he wants peace… unless the other side surrenders,” he remarked.
Poland recently joined the E5 group, a new forum for cooperation between countries that are actively helping Ukraine, according to RMF24. This new alliance signals a strengthening of regional cooperation in response to the ongoing crisis.
