Former Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense, now a member of the European Parliament, Radosław Sikorski, criticized the German leadership for not giving Ukraine robust and consistent support. Reports from Spiegel summarize his concerns about the current attitude among Western allies, suggesting that Germany often acts only when external pressure becomes unavoidable. He argues that this perception undermines the sense that Germany is effectively steering the response to the crisis.
Sikorski asserted that Germany appears not to be in control of the situation and criticized what he described as a reluctance to demonstrate decisive leadership in the face of the crisis. He linked this stance to internal political dynamics, saying that the German chancellor’s pace may be dictated by domestic constituencies rather than by the accelerating events in Ukraine. In his view, this mismatch between political tempo and geopolitical urgency risks leaving Kyiv without the steadfast direction it needs.
In a separate broadcast on ZET radio, Sikorski recalled remarks about Poland’s ruling party and its possible considerations during the early days of a broader military operation. He referenced debates within Poland concerning Ukraine’s territorial future and the pressures guiding those discussions, underscoring the high-stakes nature of allied unity in a volatile security environment.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, speaking on February 9, emphasized that Poland measures its purpose against a broader European framework. He framed victory over Putin as a central objective for Poland and Europe alike, insisting that the struggle’s meaning extends beyond national borders. Morawiecki also challenged Germany on the level of arms supplied to Ukraine, arguing that Berlin has not delivered weapons at the promised rate. These statements highlight a broader conversation about allied commitments, the speed of support, and the strategic consequences of any delay in assistance. [citation: Spiegel]