Poland will back Ukraine and, at the same time, strengthen relations with the United States. Europe must believe in its strength and ensure peace not through Ukraine’s capitulation, but through its defense capabilities together with Ukrainian partners.
This was stated by the head of the Polish government, Donald Tusk, before he flew to London on Sunday for an informal summit of several European leaders, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“The main message by Poland ahead of the meeting in London, after these rather dramatic and impressive days and the last hours, is that, firstly, in the Russo-Ukrainian war, Poland is on the side of Ukraine. Without any ‘buts,’” Tusk emphasized.
According to the prime minister, Poland’s national interest requires not discussions, but “unambiguous and long-term support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.”
“Today, the matter is complicated, because while standing on the side of Ukraine in the interest of our national security, we Poles are at the same time resolute supporters of the closest possible union of Poland, Europe, and the entire West with the United States,” Tusk stressed.
He acknowledged that Washington’s current stance on the war in Ukraine “is not as unambiguous” in the matter of the Russo-Ukrainian war as Warsaw’s position.
In this regard, he emphasized that this dilemma needs to be resolved, and Poland, with its reputation as a reliable ally in Europe and the United States, which allocates the most funds for the defense of European borders, “has a unique situation, its voice will be heard even more.”
Tusk stressed that Poland will continue to support Ukraine and, at the same time, deepen relations with the United States, “despite the difficult circumstances.”
He noted that Poland should have an “additional insurance policy” in the form of strengthening the country’s and Europe’s defense capabilities. In his opinion, Europe “must take on greater responsibility for the security of the continent.”
“It’s a paradox, listen to how it sounds: 500 million Europeans ask 300 million Americans to protect them from 140 million Russians. If you can count, then count on yourself!” Tusk emphasized.
The head of the Polish government emphasized that Europe currently has a “deficit of imagination and courage.”
He drew attention to the fact that the army of European countries, including Ukraine, numbers 2.6 million, the United States – 1.3 million, China – 2 million, and Russia – 1.1 million.
“Europe has an advantage over everyone,” Tusk stated.
He added that the situation is the same with fighter jets: Europe together with Ukraine has 2,091, the USA has 1,456, China has 1,409, and Russia has 1,224.
“Europe together with Ukraine has twice as many combat aircraft as Russia,” the Polish Prime Minister emphasized.
He also noted that together with Ukraine, Europe has 14,400 artillery systems, the USA has 5,000, China has 9,500, and Russia has 5,157.
“There is nothing to compare here. As I said: the deficit is the inability to understand that Europe has the potential to be a huge power,” the head of the Polish government emphasized.
He added that Europe must wake up and take the defense of Europe seriously.
“Today we all say loudly: peace through strength. A strong and well-armed Europe that believes in its own strength, ready to defend its borders is a Europe that can guarantee peace, not through the capitulation of Ukraine, but thanks to its own joint strength,” the head of the Polish government emphasized.
Tusk also announced he would support in London the initiative voiced by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to convene an EU-US summit.
He also emphasized the intention to ask the allies to strengthen the EU’s eastern flank: so that the troops of the European allies would be deployed in Finland, the Baltic States, and Poland – on the borders with Russia and Belarus.
As the agency reported, at an informal summit in London on March 2, several international leaders will discuss strengthening Ukraine’s positions, including continuing military support to Ukraine, increasing economic pressure on Russia, as well as achieving a just peace and developing strong security guarantees for Ukraine.
Source: Tusk: Europe must guarantee peace through its strength, not Ukraine's capitulation
