Polish, French, and German foreign ministers write in FAZ that Putin’s invasion plan failed dramatically, costing Russia 1.2 million casualties.
Putin’s Failed Invasion Plan
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot wrote in a joint article: “A few days – that’s how much time Vladimir Putin and his troops gave themselves when he launched his illegal and unlawful invasion of Ukraine on a full scale in February 2022.”
“A few days in which he intended to break through to Kyiv, take control of the Ukrainian capital and install a pro-Russian puppet government. A few days in which he wanted to deliver a single blow to bring down the entire European security architecture,” they added.
Attack on International Order
The ministers emphasize: “From a few days it became four years. Putin’s plan did not succeed. On the contrary – he suffered a spectacular defeat.” They point out that for “Putin’s imperial fantasies,” hundreds of Russian soldiers are paying with their lives and health every day. Over 1.2 million of them are wounded, missing or killed.
“These are really shocking numbers – we read. – They exceed all Soviet and Russian losses together since 1945,” they wrote.
According to the authors, Putin dramatically underestimated the resistance of Ukrainian society, the heroism of Ukrainian soldiers, the sense of national identity, and the solidarity of the West supporting Ukraine. In the face of such resistance, Putin’s strategy is “destruction,” the ministers write, accusing Russia of attacking civilian infrastructure and committing war crimes.
Unwavering Support for Ukraine
“The Kremlin leaves no doubt as to what it ultimately wants: an illiberal world of autocracies that will challenge the democratic West. Russian aggression against Ukraine is part of a broader attack on the rules-based international order,” the three politicians assess.
Therefore, they assure continued, coordinated support for Ukraine through additional air defense systems, assistance in protecting and repairing energy infrastructure, a 90 billion euro EU assistance package, sanctions targeting Putin and the Russian economy, and support for Ukraine’s path to EU membership.
A Different Europe After Four Years
“Because one thing must be clear to Putin: he is strategically losing Ukraine. The course of European reforms that Ukraine has embarked on is irreversible. Today, the country is institutionally closer to the West than ever before. And we Europeans have a clear goal: we must achieve a peace that will be lasting and just. Ukraine will achieve it only from a position of strength,” emphasize Sikorski, Wadephul and Barrot.
“Therefore, our support remains unwavering. Therefore, Russian assets worth billions of euros remain frozen. And that’s why we will continue to increase pressure on Russia,” they announce.
According to the ministers, “after four years of war, not only Ukraine is a different country. Europe today is also different. It is a stronger, more resilient Europe. A Europe that knows the value of freedom. And is ready to defend it,” they write.
