SLIGO, Ireland– A delegation of high-level diplomats from five Central and Eastern European nations issued a stark warning about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expansionist goals, asserting that he seeks “full occupation, not only of Ukraine, but everywhere in Europe.” The warning came during a panel discussion, ‘Conversations on Campus,’ hosted by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Sligo.
The panel, featuring Ms. Gerasko Larysa, Ambassador of Ukraine; Mr. Jonas Grinevičius, Ambassador of Lithuania; Mrs. Kairi Künka, Ambassador of Estonia; Mr. Juris Štālmeistars, Ambassador of Latvia; and Mr. Artur Michalski, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of Poland, centered on the three-year war in Ukraine and the future security of Europe.
Ambassador Gerasko Larysa delivered an impassioned plea for global support, framing the conflict as a defense of democratic survival. “We are ready for peace talks, but Putin has no intentions to stop; he wants full occupation… we are protecting Europe with our lives, we are paying the highest price,” she stated. She stressed the critical need for assistance, cautioning that “otherwise the rest of the EU will face the same.”
The Polish representative, Mr. Artur Michalski, reinforced the message of solidarity, warning that the conflict “affects the entire European continent.” He denounced Russia’s actions as stemming from a “colonial mentality,” and maintained that Ukraine is “entitled to choose their fate and their future.”
The diplomats uniformly urged European nations to abandon complacency. Mr. Juris Štālmeistars, Ambassador of Latvia, cautioned, “We must not be naive, thinking that our democratic system is safe. Putin is testing us all, and hybrid warfare can be done from everywhere.”
Earlier in the day, the delegation was received by Sligo County Council executive and local representatives, where the theme of unity against Russia’s invasion was paramount. Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr. Donal Gilroy, welcomed the envoys, highlighting that Sligo and Ireland “stand in solidarity with your nation” and “deeply understand the importance of solidarity, sovereignty and freedom.”
The visit underscored the significant cultural links, noting that over 1,200 students from the five nations are currently studying in Sligo. The panel concluded their Sligo visit by reaffirming their commitment to peace rooted in democratic strength.
