Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Tuesday said peace negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine war could start “in the winter.”
What Did Tusk Say?
Speaking at a Cabinet meeting in Warsaw, Tusk highlighted the critical role Poland would play in shaping Europe’s political landscape and hoped that the “end effect” of Poland’s and the EU‘s efforts will be peace in Ukraine.
“Our presidency will have, among others, joint responsibility for the shape of the political landscape, for what the situation will look like probably during the negotiations that, perhaps—there are still question marks here—will begin in the winter of this year,” Tusk told his Cabinet.
The prime minister refrained from providing specifics on the potential negotiations, leaving questions about the participants, location and timeline unanswered. However, he expressed optimism that peace efforts could begin soon.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk speaks to reporters in Dabrowka, Poland, on November 30, 2024. Tusk said on Tuesday that peace negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine war could start “in the winter.”
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk speaks to reporters in Dabrowka, Poland, on November 30, 2024. Tusk said on Tuesday that peace negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine war could start “in the winter.”
Czarek Sokolowski/AP
What Is Poland’s Role in the War?
Poland has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, and its upcoming European Union presidency coincides with significant shifts globally.
These shifts include President-elect Donald Trump‘s return to the White House following campaign promises to resolve the Ukraine war swiftly, alongside threats to reduce U.S. military aid to Ukraine and reconsider NATO commitments.
These positions have sparked concern among NATO allies and the international security community.
Meanwhile, Tusk has continued to emphasize his dedication to fostering dialogue, including meetings with key leaders such as Friedrich Merz, head of Germany’s CDU party, who recently visited Kyiv.
Upcoming discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron are also on Tusk’s agenda, the latter fresh from talks with Trump and Zelensky in Paris.
Acknowledging the tense political and military climate, Tusk called the current period “very dramatic” for Europe. He pointed to ongoing armed conflicts, political instability in several European nations and the looming leadership transition in the United States as challenges that could influence the EU’s strategic direction.
“I would like it very much for Poland to be the country that will not only mark its presence all the time, but will also set the tone of the decisions that are to bring us security and safeguard Poland’s interests,” Tusk told a government meeting, highlighting Poland’s ambitions during its six-month EU presidency.
The Polish leader’s comments mark a pivotal moment as Europe braces for a winter that could see renewed diplomatic efforts to end the devastating conflict in Ukraine.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.