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Poland and the Baltic states have reaffirmed their strong commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. In a recent joint statement published in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, the ambassadors of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland responded to an appeal by three prominent German politicians from eastern states calling for intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The German leaders—Michael Kretschmer, Minister-President of Saxony (CDU), Dietmar Woidke, Minister-President of Brandenburg (SPD), and Mario Voigt, CDU chairman in Thuringia—had urged the German government to adopt a more active diplomatic stance. They argued for stronger negotiations with Russia to bring an end to the war. However, the ambassadors emphasized that such efforts should not come at the expense of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Nothing About Ukraine Without Ukraine”
The ambassadors stressed that any peace negotiations must respect Ukraine’s autonomy and decision-making power. They reiterated the principle: “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” The ambassadors criticized calls for a ceasefire and negotiations that might result in compromises unfavorable to Ukraine, warning that such proposals could weaken the country’s position and reward Russian aggression.
According to the joint statement, Russia’s refusal to engage in peace talks shows that Moscow views external diplomatic pressures as signs of weakness. The ambassadors pointed to previous conflicts in Georgia and Moldova, where Russian violations of sovereignty were never fully addressed, as a warning against making concessions that might embolden Moscow further.
Support for Ukraine’s NATO and EU Aspirations
In addition to reaffirming their support for Ukraine’s fight for independence, the ambassadors underscored their countries’ commitment to Ukraine’s euroatlantic integration. The joint statement strongly backed Ukraine’s future membership in both NATO and the European Union, applauding the country’s ongoing reforms despite the ongoing war.
The statement also called for continued economic, military, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, highlighting that defending Ukraine is in the best interest of Europe as a whole. The ambassadors warned against allowing Russia to divide Europe into spheres of influence, drawing parallels to dark periods in European history.
Response to Calls for Diplomacy
The original appeal by Kretschmer, Woidke, and Voigt called for Germany to take a leading role in pursuing diplomatic solutions to the conflict. However, the ambassadors countered that the Ukrainian government has already shown openness to negotiations, pointing to Ukraine’s peace plan, which Moscow has consistently refused to engage with. They cautioned that negotiations forced on Ukraine, without addressing the root cause of the conflict—Russia’s invasion—would be ineffective and potentially dangerous.
The ambassadors stated that any talks must not undermine Ukraine’s right to self-defense. They also highlighted the importance of holding Russia accountable for war crimes and ensuring reparations for the destruction and suffering caused by the war.
Opposition to Calls for Compromise with Russia
The response from the Baltic and Polish diplomats comes amid increasing discussions in Germany about finding a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, especially following state elections in which the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) gained ground. Some German political figures have called for an end to military support for Ukraine, suggesting that Germany should focus on diplomatic efforts instead. This has led to intense political debate within Germany about the most effective way to achieve peace.
However, the Polish and Baltic representatives remain resolute in their belief that continued pressure on Russia is essential. They argue that premature negotiations or ceasefires would only give Russia time to regroup and potentially prolong the conflict. The ambassadors emphasized that any resolution must align with international law and ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Broader European Solidarity
The joint statement also reflects broader solidarity across Europe with Ukraine. The ambassadors noted that their stance is shared by other European neighbors, especially the Nordic countries. They called for continued sanctions on Russia and measures to prevent the circumvention of these sanctions, alongside efforts to bring those responsible for the war and associated atrocities to justice.
Poland and the Baltic states have been among the strongest supporters of Ukraine since the war began, providing substantial military aid, accepting large numbers of Ukrainian refugees, and advocating for Ukraine’s full integration into European and transatlantic institutions.
A Long Road to Peace
The ambassadors concluded by recognizing the extraordinary resilience of the Ukrainian people. They stated that Ukraine’s ongoing fight for independence is not just a matter of national survival but a broader struggle for democratic values and international stability. They emphasized that it is in Europe’s own interest to continue supporting Ukraine with full force to counter Russian imperial ambitions.
The joint statement underscores the deep divide within Europe over how to address the war in Ukraine, with some advocating for immediate diplomatic solutions and others insisting on continued military and economic pressure on Russia until the war is decisively ended in Ukraine’s favor. As the debate intensifies, Poland and the Baltic states are clear in their message: Any peace must be just, durable, and uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty.
