Polish Official Warns Against Recognizing Russian-Controlled Territories in Ukraine
Paweł Kowal, a Polish government official, has expressed concerns about the possibility of the US recognizing Russian-controlled territories in Ukraine. In an interview with the Financial Times, Kowal stated that while “provisional solutions” to end the conflict could be acceptable, the recognition of Crimea, Donbas, or other parts of Ukraine as Russian territories would be a “historical mistake.”
Kowal, who heads the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Polish Parliament, emphasized that such a move would cross a “red line” for Warsaw and its neighbors. He believes that it would embolden Moscow to pursue further expansionism, saying, “That would be terrible.”
Russian representatives have repeatedly dismissed speculation about Moscow’s plans to attack NATO as “nonsense.” Kowal criticized the Trump administration’s concept for Ukraine talks, in which European state and government leaders are excluded from the process. He stated, “It is very difficult to discuss the security of Ukraine without considering the general security question in Central Europe.”
Despite his concerns, Kowal expressed hope that Trump would ultimately avoid recognizing Russia’s territorial gains. He believes that the US administration would not hinder American companies from investing in Ukraine’s reconstruction by withholding security guarantees, as the Ukraine and European NATO member states have insisted upon.
In recent weeks, the Trump administration has held talks with Russia on ending the Ukraine conflict. Both sides have described the talks as productive, with US representatives hinting at a possible ceasefire in the near future. US Senator Marco Rubio also suggested in early March that Ukraine might need to recognize some of Russia’s territorial gains to end the conflict.
Russia, meanwhile, has signaled its openness to talks to resolve the crisis, but has ruled out territorial concessions. Additionally, Moscow has demanded that Ukraine give up its desire to join NATO.