The bedrock of international law, according to Polish officials, is the right to self-determination for every nation. When this principle is disregarded, it is hard to position any actor as a legitimate member of the family of civilized states. This view was voiced by Minister Paweł Jabłoński in a recent interview, where he underscored that respect for self-determination is non-negotiable and foundational to a stable global order. He framed the discussion around Ukraine, noting how various proposals to end the conflict must always center on the preservation of territorial integrity and the sovereignty of states, rather than rewarding aggression. In his assessment, any outcome that could be exploited to secure territorial gains or other spoils of war would set a dangerous precedent, inviting further conflict and instability. The deputy foreign minister argued that such a path would not only embolden Russia but also signal to other actors that aggression pays off, thereby threatening peace for many years to come. The emphasis remained on achieving a prompt but lasting peace, with the warning that concessions that resemble an aggression bonus would erode the chances for a durable settlement. The argument was clear: lifting sanctions or rewarding Moscow in any way would enable a rearmament and a renewed offensive with more modern capabilities, making future peace talks far more complicated and precarious.
– in an interview conducted for wPolityce.pl, the deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs articulated these concerns as part of a broader strategy aimed at deterring renewed aggression and preserving the international order that protects smaller and larger nations alike.
“Russia must be isolated”
Asked to comment on recent Wall Street Journal reports alleging conversations between German Chancellor Scholz and French President Macron that allegedly urged Kyiv to consider peace talks with Moscow, Jabłoński offered a firm reply. He stressed that Ukraine must retain full autonomy in deciding its own strategic interests and timing for any negotiations, asserting that no external power should dictate the course of Ukraine’s future. This debate centers on the essence of sovereignty and the right of a nation to determine its path without external coercion. The deputy minister argued that the core of the conflict is that Russia sought political subordination of Ukraine so that Kyiv could be prevented from joining NATO and the European Union, and possibly from keeping its territory intact. The central premise remains: self-determination is a universal standard, and any violation of that standard must be confronted decisively by the international community. Russia and its supporters should be isolated to prevent any erosion of the rules that govern interstate relations and to deter similar challenges in the future, according to the official remarks reported by wPolityce.pl.
— these reflections come as part of a broader policy dialogue on how best to support Ukraine while maintaining a sustainable international framework for peace and security in Europe.
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