Poland’s Foreign Minister: China and Turkey Could Replace U.S. as Key Mediators in Ukraine-Russia Talks
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has suggested that if U.S.-led mediation efforts between Ukraine and Russia falter, other international actors such as Turkey or China may emerge as alternative intermediaries in the ongoing war.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to European Pravda.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Warsaw with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas following an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, Sikorski voiced cautious support for the American initiative but emphasized the need for contingency plans.
“We sincerely hope the United States will succeed in its mediation efforts. However, if those efforts do not bear fruit, other candidates are ready to engage,” Sikorski said. “Turkey maintains open channels with both sides, and most notably, the People's Republic of China possesses unique leverage to pressure President Putin into meaningful negotiations and more moderate demands.”
Sikorski’s remarks come amid a shifting diplomatic landscape. The Trump administration has recently taken a more direct approach to brokering peace, pushing for an unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. While Kyiv remains supportive of this initiative, Moscow has thus far rejected the proposal under various pretexts.
According to Sikorski, Washington’s temporary withdrawal from efforts to establish a special tribunal for Russia’s war of aggression was one of several “notable concessions” made by the current U.S. administration to Moscow. He stressed, however, that no such flexibility has been reciprocated by the Kremlin.
“I have yet to see any meaningful concession from Putin’s side,” Sikorski said. “I hope President Trump, known for his negotiating instincts, will draw the right conclusions and apply both pressure and disincentives to encourage more rational behavior from the Russian leader.”
In parallel developments, President Trump has asked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to help mediate the negotiations. Ankara is expected to engage diplomatically with both Kyiv and Moscow in the coming weeks.
Read more on The Gaze: Political Analyst Explains Turkey’s Potential Role in Peace Talks on Ukraine