Tusk spoke during talks in Warsaw with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who thanked Poland for its backing since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and praised European Union leaders for approving a major new financial package for Ukraine.
EU leaders agreed at a summit in Brussels on Thursday to provide Ukraine with a EUR 90 billion loan over the next two years. Tusk said the loan would ultimately be repaid from Russian reparations.
"It is the aggressor who must pay for everything, for all the losses," the Polish prime minister said.
'Stronger cards' for Ukraine
Tusk said Ukraine now holds "stronger cards" than Russia and voiced satisfaction that Europe had delivered on its commitments to Kyiv.
He also praised Zelensky personally, calling him "a hero not only of Ukraine, but also here in Poland."
Zelensky thanked Poland for its continued military, political and humanitarian support and said the EU's decision on the loan showed leadership at a critical moment.
"You are strengthening Ukraine, our soldiers and our civilians," Zelensky said. "Europe has shown leadership, and this is extremely important."
'Shared interest of two proud nations'
Tusk said Poland and Ukraine "share a vital common interest" but acknowledged tensions that have surfaced in recent months.
"Poles and Ukrainians must show each other the maximum understanding and patience," he said, adding that some Poles feel their efforts are not always fully appreciated, while some Ukrainians sense waning pro-Ukraine sentiment in Poland.
"We have a lot to explain to each other, including from the past," Tusk said. "But no one can question the great shared interest of two proud nations: an independent Poland, an independent Ukraine and a safe Europe."
The EUR 90 billion loan will be financed through common EU borrowing backed by the bloc's budget, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
During his one-day visit to Warsaw, Zelensky also met with President Karol Nawrocki as well as the Speakers of Poland's lower and upper houses of parliament.
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Source: IAR, PAP