Russia would need 70 years to capture Ukraine at this pace – Poland's FM

The minister made this statement during a joint press conference of the foreign ministers of the Lublin Triangle (Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania) in Lublin, according to Ukrinform.

"Ukraine will not lose. It has won at sea, in the air it's 'an eye for an eye', and on land, Russia’s victories are pyrrhic: depending on the month, they lose 100–300 soldiers per square kilometre of captured territory. At this pace, Russia would need 70 years to capture Ukraine. It must consider what the cost will be," Sikorski said.

He stated that Ukraine is ready for an immediate ceasefire, while Russia is only pretending to be open to negotiations.

"This war could end in five minutes: if Putin gives the order for Russian troops to withdraw," said the Polish Foreign Minister.

Sikorski also commented on the roots of the war.

"I believe lasting peace is possible only if the root causes of this war are addressed, which is Russia’s fascist ideology and imperialism. Deradicalization of both the leadership and Russian society is essential," he added.

For reference, the first round of Ukraine-Russia negotiations in Istanbul took place on May 16, 2025. The second round followed on June 2.

• According to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, during the second round on June 2, the Russian side responded to Ukraine’s constructive proposals with the same set of ultimatums. The only agreement reached was a prisoner exchange, no ceasefire was secured.