Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, speaking in Brussels, urged Belgium to approve a loan to Ukraine funded by frozen Russian assets and outlined NATO’s shift from cooperative security with Russia to a defensive posture.
NATO’s Pivot from Cooperation with Russia
Minister Sikorski noted that the NATO-Russia Council and its charter no longer exist, stating that this reality has been pursued by successive Polish governments and has now become fact. He emphasized that the institution designed for European security alongside Russia has vanished after the Russian invasion. In its place, a new defensive posture was established, focusing on safeguarding Europe against Russia.
Urging Belgium Over Ukraine Loan
Sikorski appealed to Belgium to allow a reparative loan for Ukraine, to be financed from frozen Russian assets. He argued that using these assets would accelerate a peace deal, while blocking them would be hazardous for both Ukraine and Europe. The loan, he said, could decide the war’s outcome by providing Ukraine with funding over the next two to three years.
500‑Million‑Dollar Weapons Package for Ukraine
In Brussels, ministers from Poland, Germany, and Norway confirmed a €500 million (≈$500 million) support package under the PURL program to finance Ukraine’s purchase of weapons. This aid demonstrates NATO’s commitment to the conflict and signals U.S. and allied support for continuing arms deliveries to Ukraine.
Poland’s Contribution to the PURL Program
Poland will contribute $100 million to the program, a significant amount that the Polish prime minister called a “major fund” and expressed hope that the United States and other allies would follow suit. He stressed that such participation would encourage further allied spending and convey a clear message to Putin about the pursuit of justice and peace in Ukraine.