Russia’s attempts to colonize Ukraine for over 300 years can be classified as cultural genocide, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said in Berlin during the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2024.
The Berlin conference, organized by Ukraine and Germany, aims to mobilize international support for Ukraine’s reconstruction, reform, and modernization. The event runs on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing together diplomats from Ukraine, Italy, Germany, the U.K., and a U.S. envoy.
Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski highlighted Russia’s historical oppression of Ukraine, including efforts to erase Ukrainian cultural heritage.
“History and geography matter,” Sikorski said.
Sikorski also pointed to Poland’s experience with Russian missile attacks. “A Russian missile fell just 10 km from my home,” he said, referring to an incident near Bydgoszcz in winter 2023, illustrating the immediate danger posed by Russia.
Poland will further support Ukraine’s defense efforts and assist in its reconstruction and EU membership aspirations, Sikorski said during a conference panel, which included Ukrainian and U.K. foreign ministers Dmytro Kuleba and David Cameron.
He also urged Ukraine to proceed with major reforms during the crisis, suggesting that such actions might be more feasible now than in peacetime.
“You will sometimes have to carry out politically difficult reforms. Do it now. When you have a national consensus that you want to join the West,” Sikorski said.
Other politicians emphasized their commitment to providing aid for Kyiv, including new recovery and military investments, as well as a unanimous condemnation of Russia’s actions.
Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski highlighted Russia’s historical oppression of Ukraine, including efforts to erase Ukrainian cultural heritage.
“History and geography matter,” Sikorski said.
Sikorski also pointed to Poland’s experience with Russian missile attacks. “A Russian missile fell just 10 km from my home,” he said, referring to an incident near Bydgoszcz in winter 2023, illustrating the immediate danger posed by Russia.
Poland will further support Ukraine’s defense efforts and assist in its reconstruction and EU membership aspirations, Sikorski said during a conference panel, which included Ukrainian and U.K. foreign ministers Dmytro Kuleba and David Cameron.
He also urged Ukraine to proceed with major reforms during the crisis, suggesting that such actions might be more feasible now than in peacetime.
“You will sometimes have to carry out politically difficult reforms. Do it now. When you have a national consensus that you want to join the West,” Sikorski said.
Other politicians emphasized their commitment to providing aid for Kyiv, including new recovery and military investments, as well as a unanimous condemnation of Russia’s actions.
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