Vladimir Putin will not engage in meaningful peace negotiations unless he faces significant pressure, particularly through strengthened sanctions, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
He said this during a press conference in the Pomeranian Voivodeship in northern Poland, Ukrinform reports.
Tusk stressed that, together with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and recently joined by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, he is in “almost daily communication in various formats” with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Tusk refrained from confirming U.S. media reports that Trump told European leaders Putin is unwilling to end the war in Ukraine because he believes he is winning.
“I can confirm that the situation is difficult precisely because there is not even a hint of goodwill from the Russian side — neither in terms of a ceasefire nor the start of honest peace talks,” he said.
According to Tusk, the united position of European leaders and Trump is clear: an unconditional ceasefire — to stop the killing in Ukraine before any talks begin.
However, he accused Russia of reverting to a familiar strategy of stalling and creating confusion to avoid commitments regarding a ceasefire or serious negotiations.
Tusk described the situation as “difficult, but not critical,” and said he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are working closely to remind Western leaders that “Russia is not a trustworthy partner in honoring commitments.” “It will continue to play games — that’s why sustained pressure is so important.”
In this context, he said that the EU, in coordination with the European Commission, is working on a new, powerful package of sanctions against Russia, based on the experience that only “very strong pressure” can force Putin into genuine negotiations.
He added that the U.S. side appears willing to act, with the U.S. Senate and Senator Lindsey Graham remaining in close contact with the European group. However, Tusk pointed out that full action requires a unified position, and called Trump the “most cautious.”
Tusk said that he views Russia’s talk of negotiations with deep skepticism, and that continued support for Ukraine, coordinated sanctions, and Western solidarity are essential.
Photo credit: Kancelaria Premiera
Source: Tusk: Without strong pressure, Putin will not start serious peace talks
