Poland, Ukraine linked by common interest, says Polish PM

"Today, Poland and Ukraine are also united by a deep sense of justice," Tusk told a joint press conference with Zelensky in Lviv on Tuesday.

"Poland and the Polish people, like no one else, understand that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is unjust and that the war the Ukrainian people are fighting in defence of their homeland, in defence of their borders and in defence of their territory is so just," Tusk said.

Admitting that the history of Poland and Ukraine is both complex and beautiful, Tusk said that it had also been marked by the ups and downs as far as the relations between the two nations were concerned.

But Tusk also stated that this was also "the history of two nations which, at the moment of trial, turned out to be the people who have understood such a historical situation as Russia's attack (on Ukraine)."

Tusk assured Zelensky that Ukraine could count on Poland as "it is a mission of every civilised nation to support Ukraine in its heroic struggle," but added that "we cannot offer it everything as Poland is also a frontline country."

"Poland ever more often becomes a target of diversion, sabotage and hybrid activities which are directed against our citizens and our state," Tusk continued.

He also declared that Ukraine could count on Poland's support of its NATO membership aspirations and that Ukraine's EU accession talks would be sped up during Poland's EU presidency, starting in January 2025.

He admitted that the path leading to Ukraine's NATO membership would not be easy but promised that Poland would do its best to make this prospect more and more feasible.

Tusk also said that "what is facing us now is a big game for the future of Ukraine, Poland and Europe," and added that "the western world must believe in is strength and ability to convince all actors in this game that Ukraine and the entire world deserve just peace."

He argued that peace would only be possible when it is just, and that it would be just only when the entire western world would focus on it with all its effort.

"Stop speculating in any world capital about the possibility of Ukraine's defeat as this has nothing to do with facts," Tusk said, adding that Ukraine had been effectively defending itself against Russia's aggression. 

Asked by reporters in Lviv on Tuesday what should happen so that Poland could send its soldiers to Ukraine, Tusk said that Poland is not mulling over the sending of Polish troops to Ukraine.

"Today, we in Poland do not plan to send our troops anywhere," he said. 

Tusk said it was important to define how operations of all NATO and EU countries aimed at ensuring peace and security to Ukraine would look like.

According to him, the point is "to do everything to make final conditions of future negotiations and talks as best as possible from the point of view of the security of Ukraine and the entire European continent."

"Those who say today that they are ready to send their troops to ensure conditions of peace must very carefully think over the definition of such a mission," Tusk said, adding that Poland had once had security guarantees but they turned out to be empty ones. 

"As we want to avoid such a situation, we will hold talks in the coming days and weeks to find out how to prepare the entire West and Ukraine for the coming months and not to speculate who is ready to send troops to Ukraine," Tusk continued.

"Specific definitions of security guarantees are what is most important here along with the position of NATO as a whole and of the UN," he said, adding that it would be best if peace was safeguarded by the entire world helping Ukraine today, as well as other global actors.

Tusk added that Ukraine could count on Poland's support, that Ukraine had to participate in all talks concerning its future and promised that Poland would make sure that none of these talks would lead to unfair decisions. 

"No talks can be held over the heads of either Ukraine or Poland," he concluded. 

Tusk also announced that the 46th aid package for Ukraine would be implemented in January.

Asked what military aid Poland planned to offer Ukraine in the future, Tusk said that since the beginning of the war Poland had sent to Ukraine a lot of equipment, "incomparably more than any other country in the world." 

Therefore, he said, today we have fewer opportunities than those who later joined this aid."

Tusk explained that Poland faces a greater threat from Russian provocations and hybrid aggression than other countries, like Spain or Great Britain. 

"So when we decide on subsequent tranches of aid, we must constantly remember that we have a very long border with Belarus and a fairly long border with Russia to secure," he added. 

He said that he and Zelensky talked about "possible equipment for a brigade" and that it might be a joint venture with the Scandinavian countries but that they also agreed not to reveal any more details.

"But I am convinced that in this matter we will find some creative solutions, where Poland can help in equipping the Ukrainian army," Tusk added. 

Zelensky expressed deep gratitude for Warsaw's unwavering support during the ongoing conflict and thanked Poland for its readiness to assist Ukraine and for the support already provided. "We value everything that Poland has done for Ukraine," he said.  

He noted the productive nature of the discussions, citing the strong and stable bilateral relations between the two countries and addressed the importance of "a strong, common position of all Ukraine's partners," rather than a temporary pause in hostilities.

Tusk also acknowledged Poland's understanding of the importance of security guarantees in the region and its commitment to Ukraine's aspirations of becoming a full member of NATO.

"Poland’s presidency of the Council of the EU next year can bring even better results, bringing us closer to joining the EU," Zelensky went on to say.

He also touched upon historical matters between the two countries, including Poland's long-awaited exhumation work for victims of the Volhynia Massacre, noting that both governments are actively working to address these issues. 

After the talks, Zelensky wrote on his X account: "Today, I met with the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Lviv regarding the service of the new ministry (Ministry of National Unity - PAP) and support for Ukrainians settled abroad." 

Kyiv launched a new department earlier in December, aimed at strengthening communication with the Ukrainian diaspora. 

Following the meeting with Zelensky, Tusk visited Lviv's historic Lychakiv Cemetery, laying wreaths at the part bearing the graves of the Polish Eaglets, the Polish defenders of the city during the Polish-Ukrainian war of 1918–1919 and the Polish-Soviet war of 1919-1920.

Later, he visited Melnyk Street, which is currently undergoing reconstruction following a deadly Russian attack earlier this year. (PAP)

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