Germany should lead in building European security, says Polish FM

Germany should play a leading role in building security and defending peace, including in Ukraine, Poland's foreign minister has said during a visit to Berlin.

Zbigniew Rau also said attempts to provide Russia with a face-saving exit from its war in Ukraine would be a rejection of European values.

"There is no doubt that today Germany should take a leading role in building a system of security and defending peace in Europe, a peace which includes Ukraine, but is directed against Russia," Rau told a press conference following talks with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock.

"We trust that Germany will take on such a role, helping Ukraine win the war with Russia and leading it ultimately to the European Union."

Rau also expressed hope that Germany would now support Ukraine's application for EU candidate status.

"I know that on the German side there exists a will for such action," Rau said. "There is no alternative to that because otherwise it would lead to an erosion of Germany's trustworthiness."

Rau went on to say that Europe could not endure without German credibility.

"A trustworthy Germany is essential to Europe," he said. "Poland is deeply interested in that and is ready to help in that work. We want partner relations with a credible Germany ready to fight for our common values."

Poland and Germany should work together, he added, to ensure that Russia suffered a strategic defeat in Ukraine and that its occupying forces left the country and internationally recognised borders.

"This is the common aim of Poland and the transatlantic community, of Poland and the United States," he said, adding that it must also be the aim guiding all countries of the free world.

"Attempts to save Russia from defeat and losing face represent without doubt a rejection, some would even say a betrayal... of the ideals and values that we share in common, truly European ideals and values," Rau said.