Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski says U.S. shouldn't trust Putin, discusses Epstein probe

Polish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski issued a stern warning to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump regarding the reliability of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a high-profile interview with CBS News in New York this week. Sikorski’s comments come as the incoming U.S. administration signals a potential shift in strategy toward the war in Ukraine, with the Polish diplomat emphasizing that Putin’s past actions demonstrate a fundamental disregard for international agreements and diplomatic trust. The warning is intended to influence the white House's approach to potential peace negotiations, ensuring that any future settlement does not compromise European security or Ukrainian sovereignty. During the conversation with national security reporter Olivia Gazis, Sikorski underscored the historical context of Russian aggression, noting that Poland’s proximity to the conflict gives it a unique perspective on the Kremlin’s geopolitical ambitions. He argued that any concessions made to Moscow without ironclad guarantees would likely be exploited by Putin to regroup and continue his expansionist agenda. Sikorski stressed that the United States must maintain a position of strength and skepticism, reminding American policymakers that Russia has frequently used negotiations as a tactical delay rather than a genuine pursuit of peace. In an unexpected turn, the Foreign Minister also addressed domestic legal developments regarding Poland’s own investigation into the legacy of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Sikorski confirmed that Polish authorities are actively probing whether any local entities or individuals were connected to Epstein’s international network or if his criminal activities touched Polish soil. This dual-track discussion highlights Poland's increasingly active role on the global stage, tackling both urgent security threats in Eastern Europe and complex trans-border criminal investigations that bridge the gap between European and American legal jurisdictions.