The closest possible relations with the U.S. are in the interest of Ukraine and Europe and emotions cannot be allowed to divide Europe and the U.S.
This was stated by the head of the Polish government, Donald Tusk, at a press conference after a London summit of leaders of several EU nations, the UK, Norway, Canada, and the head of the Turkish Foreign Ministry, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
Tusk noted that the event took place at a difficult moment not only for Ukraine, but also for all of Europe. He called the meeting historic. “We all count on a turning point in the war and the approach of peace negotiations, even if we encounter obstacles along the way,” the Polish prime minister emphasized.
According to the head of government, during the meeting everyone had a similar position: “Ukraine needs constant assistance and, if possible, strong support before negotiations with Russia.”
He added that “no one has any doubts about who the aggressor is and who is the victim, and on whose side Europe stands in this conflict.”
Tusk noted that all participants in the meeting expressed their belief that Europe should take on greater responsibility and bear the burden associated with strengthening the defense industry, increasing military aid (to Ukraine – ed.), and increasing defense spending within NATO.
He emphasized that the “absolute priority” for Poland and Europe is strengthening the eastern flank, which consists in infrastructural and financial support for the “Shield East” project.
Tusk believes that it is in the interest of Europe and Ukraine to maintain relations with the U.S. that would be as close as possible.
“We cannot allow emotions to divide Europe and the United States,” the Polish prime minister emphasized.
He also stressed that he supported the proposal of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni that Europe and the United States “find a way, a place for a long and very honest discussion, an exchange of views, in order to understand each other as best as possible before the decisive events – the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.”
“We must do everything possible to ensure that Europe and the United States speak with one voice,” Tusk stated.
According to the prime minister, the meeting of the EU Council, which will take place on March 6, will be a “clear impulse” that will indicate to Putin and Russia that in the West “no one will succumb to its blackmail and has no intention of capitulating.”
As Ukrinform reported earlier, after the meeting in London, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that “a number of countries” expressed willingness to be part of the plan to ensure peace in Ukraine.
Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymanski
Source: Tusk: Maintaining closest possible relations with U.S. in Europe, Ukraine’s interest
