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Polish PM makes unannounced visit to Ukraine's Lviv

17.12.2024 18:00
On Tuesday afternoon, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited Lviv, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hold a joint press conference in Lviv, western Ukraine, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hold a joint press conference in Lviv, western Ukraine, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. PAP/KPRM

During his visit, Tusk said: "We are facing a great challenge regarding the future of Ukraine, Poland and Europe."

He told a press conference that Poland and Ukraine share not only a common geopolitical interest but also a sense of justice in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Tusk laid flowers at the graves of the Lviv Eaglets at the Lychakiv Cemetery, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

He said that the history of Poland and Ukraine is both complicated and beautiful.

"It is full of ups and downs when it comes to the relations between our nations," he added.

Zelensky expressed his gratitude for Poland's support

Ukraine's Zelensky said: "We appreciate everything Poland has done for Ukraine." He described Polish-Ukrainian relations as very good and "stable during such challenging times."

The two leaders discussed the situation on the front lines and the need to pursue a just peace.

Tusk told reporters that Poland is also a frontline state, exposed to hybrid threats, and therefore unable to meet all of Ukraine's expectations.

"We cannot give everything," he said. "In a sense, we are also a frontline state. Poland is increasingly becoming a target of diversion, sabotage, and hybrid actions directed directly against our citizens and our country."

New border crossing to open, easing travel between Poland and Ukraine

Tusk announced that a new border crossing will soon open between Poland and Ukraine, making it easier for ordinary people to travel between Poland and Ukraine, especially during the holiday season.

Poland will push for Ukraine's NATO and EU membership: PM

The Polish prime minister also said that Poland will strive to accelerate Ukraine's accession process to NATO and the European Union.

He argued that Ukraine's war with Russia is "part of a great civilizational clash" and declared that Poland will always support Ukraine.

"Ukraine has always been able to count on Poland's support for NATO membership," Tusk said. "Nothing has changed here. If it depended on Poland, it would take no longer than a day. But you can count on our diplomacy and actions."

Finally, Tusk appealed to Western leaders to support Ukraine, emphasizing that a just peace is only possible if the world focuses its efforts on securing it.

The visit was kept secret until the last minute for security reasons, the PAP news agency reported.

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Source: PAP/KPRM