Former Polish President Aleksander Kwaśniewski warned of the danger that a potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine could carry. The main risk is that a ceasefire could be perceived by the West as a signal to wind down military and financial aid to Kyiv.
In an interview with Ukrinform, the Polish politician emphasized Europe's unity in supporting Ukraine, but at the same time warned against possible consequences of an incorrectly formulated peace agreement.
Europe Does Not Agree to "Surrender Ukraine"
Kwaśniewski emphasized that Europe demonstrates far-reaching unity on the Ukraine issue and is ready to replace American support with European support if necessary.
"I believe that there is definitely far-reaching unity here, a readiness to support, even if this American support would need to be replaced with European. In my opinion, the fact that Europe reacted quickly to this 'peace plan' is very important, because one could say: the Americans are negotiating on this, what more can be added? But no, Europe has shown that it does not agree to surrender Ukraine," Kwaśniewski emphasized.
Frozen Russian Assets — Sanction Against the Aggressor
The same applies to the matter of frozen Russian assets, noted the former Polish president. Although from a legal point of view this is a complex issue, there is no doubt that these frozen assets should be used for Ukraine's reconstruction.
"This should be one of the harshest sanctions against the Russian aggressor. This is one of the reasons why I don't really imagine that Putin would agree even to this 'Geneva plan,' because internal factors influence this. He may fear internal resistance in Russia over the loss of $300 billion and will not agree to this," the politician noted.
Main Danger of Peace Agreement
Kwaśniewski noted the importance of Western aid for Ukraine, while noting that he "sees no chance for lasting and just peace." The greatest danger lies in the possible interpretation of a peace agreement.
"It lies in the fact that if this agreement does not contain very clear security guarantees for Ukraine, there is a significant risk that the ceasefire will be perceived as a real peace agreement, which would essentially free the democratic world from its obligations of financial, military, humanitarian aid and political support to Ukraine. And that would already be a catastrophe," Kwaśniewski said.
Ukraine Will Not Survive Without Support
The former Polish president emphasized that Ukraine needs this support, otherwise it will not survive the next stage of the unfrozen war.
"This risk exists, and I very much hope that Western partners will not deviate from this path. This concerns Germany, France, Great Britain and Poland," the politician concluded.
