Foreign ministers of Poland, Germany, and France published a joint article in FAZ on Feb 24, 2026, criticizing Putin’s failed invasion plans.
Putin’s Failed Plans
Ministers Radosław Sikorski, Johann Wadephul, and Jean-Noël Barrot write that Vladimir Putin gave himself and his troops just “a few days” to break through to Kyiv, seize control of Ukraine’s capital, and install a pro-Russian puppet government in February 2022. They emphasize Putin intended to topple European security architecture in a single stroke.
“From a few days, it became four years,” the ministers state. “Putin’s plan failed. On the contrary, he suffered a spectacular defeat,” they add, noting that over 1.2 million Russian soldiers have been killed, wounded, or missing in Ukraine – exceeding all Soviet and Russian losses combined since 1945.
Attack on International Order
The ministers accuse Putin of dramatically underestimating Ukrainian societal resistance, military heroism, national identity, and Western solidarity supporting Ukraine. Facing such opposition, they claim Russia’s strategy has shifted to “destruction,” attacking civilians and committing war crimes.
“The Kremlin leaves no doubt about what ultimately matters to it: an illiberal world of autocracies challenging the democratic West. Russian aggression against Ukraine is part of a broader attack on the rules-based international order,” the politicians assess.
Unwavering Support
The ministers reaffirm continued, coordinated support for Ukraine through additional air defense systems, energy infrastructure protection, a €90 billion EU aid package, sanctions targeting Putin and the Russian economy, and backing Ukraine’s EU membership path.
“One thing must be clear to Putin: he is strategically losing Ukraine. Ukraine’s course of European reforms is irreversible. The country is already institutionally closer to the West than ever before. Europeans have a clear goal: we must achieve a lasting and just peace – Ukraine will only attain it from a position of strength,” they declare.
A Different Europe
The ministers state that after four years of war, “Ukraine is a different state,” and “Europe today is also different. It is Europe stronger and more resilient. A Europe that knows the value of freedom and is ready to defend it.”
