The foreign ministers of Germany, Norway, Poland, and Britain met on Tuesday at the Warsaw Security Conference to discuss the situation in Ukraine and recent developments. This conference was held while investigations in Germany regarding a fire at a Starlink station in Poland are ongoing, and European countries are seeking to respond to the recent decision by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the reduction of sanctions against Russia.
Concerns Over Sanctions Reduction
German Foreign Minister Johan Weidel expressed concern over the U.S. decision to reduce sanctions on Russian diesel, stating: "This is not the right time to reduce the sanctions regime; instead, we should strengthen it." He also referred to the latest package of EU sanctions that was approved on Monday.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also referred to the difficult diplomatic situation in recent days, saying: "We must acknowledge that these days have been very challenging." Miliband, in Warsaw, which is only a few hours from the western border of Ukraine, expressed concerns about the state of the war and its impacts on Europe.
Investigations and Arrests in Germany
Meanwhile, Weidel told reporters that he had spoken with Radoslaw Sikorski, the Polish Foreign Minister, about the investigations related to the fire at the Starlink station in Poland. Two individuals with Turkish citizenship were arrested in Germany on Monday in connection with this incident. German officials believe these individuals are linked to criminal organizations associated with Russia.
Weidel also stated: "This and other hybrid events across the continent show that we are in the crosshairs of Russia." He emphasized the need to strengthen international cooperation, saying: "We are under attack, and this is not just in Ukraine, but is happening throughout Europe."
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide also stressed the importance of focusing on actions from the past four years and welcomed the latest round of sanctions against Russia. He said: "We must send a strong signal to Putin that Europe, together with Canada and in good days with the United States, is united."
Miliband also praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his outstanding leadership in difficult circumstances. He noted that the idea of an "energy ceasefire" proposed by Trump should be considered.
Weidel continued by stating that if possible, any efforts for mediating a ceasefire should include grain exports and transportation in the Black Sea, especially to prevent famine in North Africa.
