Sanctions are like nuclear weapons - Sikorski
22:49
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski compared sanctions that the EU threatens Russia with to nuclear weapons. “It is better to use them as a threat than to deploy them,” Sikorski told German tabloid Bild. “But in the current situation we have no choice. We have to weigh up the sanctions and how they will affect us. On the other hand, doing nothing may be costlier in the long term,” he added.
Sikorski described the sanctions agreed by the EU as “appropriate.” “We are demonstrating solidarity and steadfastness. And we’re making it clear: in the event of an escalation we are ready to take further steps,” added the chief of Polish diplomacy.
According to the minister, NATO must be prepared for “every scenario.” “Today we can see that what once we couldn’t even imagine in our worst nightmares can become reality any moment now. This should spur us on to rethink our plans.”
Sikorski calmed that if Russia were to cut off gas and oil supplies to Poland, the country should be fine. “When it comes to crude oil, we have alternative sources. As for gas, national deposits cover one third of the consumption. This is enough to meet the needs of individual customers,” he explained.
In response to Russia annexing Crimea, the EU issued visa bans on several Russian citizens, including Putin aides and froze their assets. Top ranked EU officials warned that if situation continues to escalate, economic sanctions against Russia will be implemented.
