Speaking in a media interview during a visit to Washington for talks with US President Joe Biden, Tusk highlighted Poland's unique position, given the country's borders with Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.
He outlined Poland's significant contributions to its own defense, making it a stable US partner, Polish state news agency reported.
The visit by Tusk and Polish President Andrzej Duda, timed to mark the 25th anniversary of Poland's NATO membership, "is not a celebration" but a crucial engagement during a time described by Tusk as both "wartime for some and prewar for the world at large."
Amid discussions on Europe's military potential, Tusk argued for a swift transformation of European economic power into military might to deter aggression from Russia, stressing the need for Europe to become more self-reliant and mature in defense matters.
Addressing the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia and Belarus, Tusk criticized the half-hearted enforcement across Europe and suggested using frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine, a move much discussed in Europe's corridors of power but hindered by a lack of will from the continent's capitals.
Tusk also underlined the importance of army size in modern warfare, indicating the necessity for Poland to prepare operational plans reflecting the changes in the geopolitical landscape.
The focus remains on building up a military that is ready to act in critical situations, with specific strategies to be defined in new operational plans which are being developed under the guidance of Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
This visit underscores the ongoing dialogue between Poland and the United States on security issues, the commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, and the broader European context of defense preparedness and solidarity.
In the context of the current geopolitical tensions, Tusk's words conveyed a deep concern over the security of Poland and its NATO allies.
He acknowledged the persistent threat posed by Russia, particularly to NATO's eastern flank, which includes Poland.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP