Speaking to broadcaster TVN24 on Thursday, Tusk said that he is in regular contact with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become Germany’s next chancellor.
'Major geopolitical change' under Trump
"The reality today is more difficult than before," Tusk said. "Even for those who are not experts, it is clear that there is a major geopolitical change occurring."
He added: "The new administration in Washington has a different approach to issues like the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia. This presents new challenges for us."
Tusk acknowledged concerns about closer ties between the United States and Russia, warning that any rapprochement could come at the expense of Ukraine, the European Union and Poland.
He emphasized the need for "vigilance," calling the current situation "a complex game that must be played skillfully."
The prime minister also commented on the shifting global priorities of the United States, noting that Europe and Ukraine are no longer at the center of Washington’s foreign policy focus.
"The US is increasingly prioritizing the Pacific region, particularly China, as well as issues related to Israel and Iran," he said.
'This is his method – keeping both allies and adversaries uncertain'
Tusk addressed concerns over US support for Ukraine ahead of a scheduled meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington on Friday.
Trump and Zelensky are expected to discuss a partnership agreement on the exploitation of Ukraine’s natural resources, particularly rare earth metals.
"The truth is brutal – President Trump expects business deals like this, while Ukraine desperately needs to keep America engaged," Tusk said.
When asked whether Trump would commit to continued military support for Kyiv, Tusk described him as "unpredictable," adding: "This is his method – keeping both allies and adversaries uncertain."
Reflecting on his past encounters with Trump, Tusk described him as a challenging negotiator due to his shifting positions.
'He makes statements, retracts them, then revisits them later'
"Trump is a difficult partner," Tusk admitted, "but we must engage with him effectively, without illusions and without panic."
He recalled a moment during a G7 summit in Canada when Trump unexpectedly suggested readmitting Russia into the group.
"We explained why Russia was expelled – because it had attacked Ukraine. But Trump doesn’t negotiate in the traditional sense. He makes statements, retracts them, then revisits them later," Tusk said.
'Rearmament and security must be priorities' for EU
Tusk highlighted that the European Union has embraced Poland’s security agenda.
"We said that rearmament and security must be priorities," Tusk told TVN24. "On March 6, the EU will approve multi-billion-euro projects for its own defense, securing Poland’s border with Russia, and aiding Ukraine."
He also pointed to asylum policy as another area where Poland’s stance has gained traction in Europe. "The Polish approach is now respected as a model," he said.
West urged to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine aid
The prime minister reiterated his call for frozen Russian assets to be used in support of Ukraine. Western nations froze nearly half of Russia’s foreign reserves—around EUR 300 billion euros—following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Of this, approximately EUR 200 billion is held in the European Union, primarily by Euroclear, a financial institution based in Brussels.
"There is broad agreement that these funds should be used to help Ukraine," Tusk said. "But whether it will happen is uncertain. Some countries, including within the EU and possibly the US, fear the consequences of such a move."
Tusk confirmed that the issue will be discussed at a special EU summit on March 6, focused on Ukraine, Russia and European defense.
"This isn’t just about sending money to Ukraine—it’s about rebuilding the country and strengthening its defenses. Hopefully, at least part of the plan will be implemented," he said.
The European Commission has expressed support for the idea. Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper said: "We back any proposals ensuring that Russia pays for this catastrophic war."
'Reality has changed, but we must deal with it'
Despite the challenges, Tusk urged European leaders to adjust to the evolving geopolitical landscape rather than resist it.
"Reality has changed, but we must deal with it rather than resent it," he said.
Tusk also praised Polish President Andrzej Duda’s recent visit to the United States, saying that all Polish leaders should work to persuade Trump to support Poland’s interests.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, TVN24