The leaders met in Warsaw at the outset of Poland’s six-month EU Council presidency, vowing to deepen military and political collaboration and to advocate for Ukraine’s swift accession to the European Union.
Tusk said at a news conference after his talks with Zelensky that a “free and sovereign” Ukraine is vital not only for its own future but also for Poland’s and Europe’s security.
“Defending Ukraine is a strategic defense of Poland and the entire West,” Tusk said, pledging continued delivery of aid and arms.
Zelensky, for his part, told reporters that “Ukraine’s independence is directly tied to Poland’s independence,” describing stronger EU and NATO ties as “crucial for raising Europe’s geopolitical standing.”
"Defending Ukraine is a strategic defense of Poland and the entire West," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in Warsaw on Wednesday, pledging continued delivery of aid and arms to Kyiv. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak
'Breaking the impasse' on Ukraine's EU entry
With the EU Council presidency under Polish leadership, Tusk promised to “break the impasse” regarding Ukraine’s membership.
He noted that, while regulatory steps are still needed, Poland will work with European partners to accelerate Kyiv’s negotiations.
“We will be helpful but still safeguard our national interests,” Tusk said, adding that the two leaders agreed on a common approach “in the spirit of empathy and concrete, mutual benefits.”
'We must respect history but also look toward the future'
Addressing historical grievances—particularly the WWII-era Volhynia massacres—both sides pledged continued dialogue.
Tusk promised “serious reflection” on difficult shared history without allowing political exploitation.
He thanked Kyiv for understanding Poland’s need to recover and bury victims of the violence in a dignified manner.
“We must respect history but also look toward the future,” Tusk said.
Post-war reconstruction, defense innovation
Tusk invited Ukraine to collaborate on reconstruction projects once the war ends, proposing that Poland host an international summit to coordinate rebuilding efforts.
“We want to be a main partner in post-war recovery,” he said, highlighting the potential role of Polish companies. Zelenskiy spoke of expanding joint ventures in energy and defense industries, noting that advanced Ukrainian technologies could also benefit Poland and the broader EU.
Russian threats, Baltic security
Tusk cited “acts of sabotage” allegedly orchestrated by Moscow, including possible threats to global aviation.
During talks with Baltic leaders in Helsinki on Tuesday, he discussed countermeasures against Russian aggression.
“We’ll coordinate closely,” Tusk said, describing Russia’s war as “not merely against Ukraine, but against the entire civilized world.”
Both leaders signed a joint statement affirming stronger bilateral ties, urging the United States and other allies to maintain sanctions on Russia.
Zelensky said that with just days to go until Donald Trump’s US presidential inauguration, Kyiv hopes for continued Western support, especially on arms transfers and maintaining pressure on Moscow.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP, IAR