Sikorski, whose country is one of Ukraine's closest allies, said in an interview with British broadcaster Sky News on Thursday that "the credibility of the United States is staked on the quality of the solution."
Trump wants success—'and we wish him success'
He argued that Trump seeks success in ending the war.
"President Trump ... cares about achieving success, and we wish him success," Sikorski said, underlining the need for a "fair long-term peace" deal in Ukraine rather than a temporary ceasefire.
He cautioned that if Russian President Vladimir Putin is allowed to occupy Ukraine, he could be emboldened to move further west.
"It would be madness," Sikorski said, "but the invasion of Ukraine wasn’t rational either."
America's global credibility at stake
However, Trump's willingness to offer Putin a diplomatic off-ramp from the war should not be misunderstood as weakness, Sikorski told Sky News.
"If Putin opposes him or refuses to cooperate, the United States can harden sanctions and ramp up support for Ukraine," he said, adding that Trump is capable of quickly shifting his policy to protect US interests.
Trump’s overarching strategic rivalry with China means the US president "needs allies," Sikorski said, and how Washington manages the Ukraine conflict will significantly shape its credibility around the world.
No Polish troops in Ukraine
While asked about a potential international peacekeeping mission on Ukrainian soil—and Russia's possible refusal to accept such a scenario—Sikorski said that "Putin doesn't get to decide which troops stay in Ukraine; that’s for Ukraine to decide."
He added that Poland would not send soldiers into Ukraine even if a peacekeeping operation emerged.
Instead, Poland would assist logistically, Sikorski said, adding that Poland’s main task as a NATO frontline state is to protect the alliance's eastern border.
Responding to a question on his recent online exchange with billionaire Elon Musk over the Starlink satellite system, Sikorski struck a humorous tone.
"Elon is an outstanding pioneer and I wish him success on his journey to Mars," he said.
(jh/gs)
Source: Sky News, PAP