Sikorski said it was too early to assess the wider impact of the surprise attack by Ukrainian soldiers in the border region of Kursk launched on August 6.
But he added: “It's certainly showed that Ukraine is capable of counterattacking, that Ukraine has maneuverable forces.
“It seems that Russia is being forced to draw forces away from the Donetsk front, relieving the brave Ukrainian soldiers fighting there. It's showing those in the West who doubted that Ukraine can stay the course that Ukraine can go on the counteroffensive.”
Morale boost
He continued: “I think it's a morale boost to the Ukrainians themselves. So at a time when there is talk of negotiations, [the incursion] has certainly strengthened Ukraine's hand.
“I am convinced that if Ukraine and we, friends of Ukraine, stay the course, then eventually the Russian economy will suffer the consequences. And eventually, hopefully, Putin will see that he cannot achieve his war aims.”
What to expect from new EU defense boss?
Sikorski said that, as the US appears to be paying more attention to the Pacific region, Europe should become “more serious about being able to defend itself”.
With European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen soon expected to select a candidate for a new dedicated EU defense portfolio, TVP World asked how powerful such a figure would be.
“Remember that the European Union already has a defense commissioner,” Sikorski responded. “He's called the high representative for foreign and security policy. Europe already conducts military operations all over Africa, for example. And it's the high rep who gives the political command to do so.
“But there is still plenty to do for a new commissioner potentially. Military procurement is one thing, but there is cyber security. There is civil protection.
“And there are other aspects of security, such as military mobility across the continent that I think could be put together into a substantive portfolio.”
German inaction vs. German power
On the role of Berlin in maintaining European security and offering aid to Ukraine, TVP World asked Sikorski if he stood by his comment from over a decade ago – a statement that was lambasted by his nationalist political opponents – that he feared German power less than German inaction.
“Germany actually does a lot in absolute numbers, the most in Europe,” Sikorski replied, referring to support for Kyiv. “But it somehow manages to convey the impression of being tardy, of doing the right thing six months later, and then it’s not as useful.
“So, yes, I still worry about German inaction more than about German power.”
Click on the video to see the full interview.
