FM Sikorski stressed the need for moral clarity in today’s turbulent times, urging a return to fundamental truths about right and wrong, facts versus propaganda.
In times like these, when the world seems out of joint, when the old seems to be dying but the new cannot yet be born, what we need is a return to basics. To questions about what’s right and what’s wrong, what’s true and what’s actually happened, and what’s just a figment of propaganda, he stated.
Russia’s invasion: A colonial war, not self-defense, says Polish FM
He recalled the overwhelming global condemnation of Russia’s invasion during the UN General Assembly vote on March 2, 2022, when 141 nations reaffirmed Ukraine’s sovereignty, while only five - Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and others - opposed the resolution.
Almost exactly three years ago, on March 2, 2022, nations of the world gathered here in a special session, faced with a straight question, whether to condemn, applaud or ignore Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Their answer was clear. The measure condemning Vladimir Putin’s actions was adopted by a vote of 141 in favor, with 35 abstentions and unequivocal reaffirmation of our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, he recalled.
Sikorski rejected Kremlin propaganda that portrays Russia’s aggression as a defensive response to Western imperialism. In reality, he argued, it is "a modern-day colonial war" aimed at punishing Ukrainians for their desire to break free from Moscow’s control.
We have seen a modern-day colonial war against Ukrainian people who want a better life and realize they can never achieve this goal by going back to their subjugation to Russia, he asserted.
Radosław Sikorski at the UN: Russia’s war is the desperation of a failing empire
He compared Russia’s actions to the desperation of a declining empire struggling to reclaim its sphere of influence - an experience familiar to many nations.
That is what they are being punished for, an effort to free themselves from under the control of a former metropolis. Many countries represented here know the experience. Kremlin aggression is a manifestation of a failing empire’s desperate struggle to restore its sphere of influence," Polish FM pointed out.
Sikorski reminded the world that the fundamental facts have not changed: Russia invaded a sovereign nation, violating its right to exist and determine its own future.
Basic facts have not changed. Russia invaded a sovereign nation, violating its rights to existence and self-determination, he emphasized.
Poland's top diplomat condemned Russia’s war crimes, highlighting indiscriminate bombings of civilian areas, including "apartments, hospitals, schools, kindergartens."
FM Sikorski warns against wavering support: "Ukraine is not just a project"
Finally, he dismissed the notion that Ukraine is merely a geopolitical "project," insisting that its people have the right to defend their nation and future. While some countries that initially stood firm are now wavering, he warned against complacency.
Fast forward three years and the same group is no longer so sure. What happened - he asked.
The full speech by Radosław Sikorski at the UN General Assembly is available on The Singju Post website.
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Source: UN/YouTube.com/@RadoslawSikorski/X/@PolandMFA/@radeksikorski
Click on the audio player above for a report by Michał Owczarek