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FM voices disappointment over Poland's absence at Berlin meeting on Ukraine

22.10.2024 13:00
The Polish foreign minister has expressed disappointment over his country's absence at a recent summit of Western nations in Berlin, saying that international meetings focusing on Ukraine result in better decisions when Polish leaders are present.
The Polish foreign ministry has commented on the absence of Poland and Ukraine at last weeks meeting of US, German, UK and French leaders in Berlin.
The Polish foreign ministry has commented on the absence of Poland and Ukraine at last week's meeting of US, German, UK and French leaders in Berlin.gov.pl/DPA/X/German Consulate BOS/@GermanyinBoston

Radosław Sikorski made the remark during a media interview when asked why a Polish leader was not invited to a recent summit in Berlin attended by US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Sikorski told broadcaster TVN24 in the interview on Monday that "it would have been better if Poland had been invited" because the meeting discussed scenarios for ending Russia's war against Ukraine.

He added that Germany's Scholz "has already been criticised" by the opposition at home "because of Poland's absence" from the meeting.

"I hope this gives our neighbors something to think about, because let me remind them that when Poland is present, decisions are better," Sikorski argued.

He noted that the summit was held in place of the canceled Ramstein meeting on Ukraine, initially planned for October 12 in Germany and expected to be attended by Polish President Andrzej Duda.

The meeting was eventually rescheduled after Biden postponed his trip to Europe because of Hurricane Milton.

Polish foreign ministry spokesman Paweł Wroński told reporters on Monday that "Poland should have been among the countries participating in the meeting of world leaders in the German capital."

Wroński described Poland as "one of the most committed nations in supporting Kyiv" and said was he surprised that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also absent from the Berlin meeting.

(mp/gs)

Source: IAR/PAP/TVN24/X/@GermanyinBoston