Washington has promised to consult with its European partners ahead of the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on August 11. Speaking at a press conference, Tusk expressed a mixture of fear and hope about the war in Ukraine, as he awaited the outcome of the talks between the two leaders, scheduled for August 15 in Alaska.
Speaking at a press conference, Tusk acknowledged the ongoing concerns over the war in Ukraine, stating that while the US had promised to consult with European partners before the talks, he remained uncertain about the outcomes of the meeting.
“I will wait… for the effects of the meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin – I have many fears and a lot of hope,” Tusk said.
While Tusk noted that Trump’s recent comments appeared to show greater understanding of Ukrainian and European perspectives on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he expressed doubts about whether the US president’s position would remain consistent.
European leaders, including those from France, Italy, Germany, Poland, the UK, Finland, and the European Commission, have generally supported Trump’s efforts to end the war. However, they emphasized the need for increased pressure on Russia and the necessity of providing Ukraine with security guarantees. Tusk reaffirmed the European stance, stressing that Ukraine must be involved in any peace discussions, according to Reuters.
“For Poland and our partners, it is clear that state borders cannot be changed by force,” Tusk added. “Russia’s war with Ukraine must not bring benefits to the aggressor.”
Previously, it was reported that Tusk suggested that a pause in the Ukraine War is close, calling for urgent action on Poland’s defense. Poland’s preparedness for defense remains a top priority, according to the Polish Prime Minisher, who emphasized that the country must stay ready for any situation, even as speculation grows about a possible suspension of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Earlier, Polish state-owned arms manufacturer Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) had offered to produce Ukrainian-designed weapons in Poland, citing both security and long-term cooperation goals, said PGZ Vice President Jan Grabowski, speaking to Interfax-Ukraine.
Related articles