Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk has firmly reiterated the country's unconditional support for Ukraine amid the continuing war with Russia. Ahead of today's conference of European leaders set to convene in London, Tusk’s remarks signal Poland's steadfast alignment with Ukraine, rooted not just in human decency, but also strategic national interest.
Speaking on March 2, 2025, before his flight to the summit, Tusk stated, "in the Ukrainian-Russian war, Poland stands on Ukraine’s side – no ifs, ands or buts – not only because human decency requires it, but also for our security." This declaration underpins Poland’s position as one of Ukraine's strongest allies since the Russian invasion commenced three years ago, providing substantial military, humanitarian, and diplomatic assistance.
Tusk's bold assertion follows significant diplomatic tensions, highlighted by the recent confrontational meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump. Following this, Trump's associate, Elon Musk, controversially urged the U.S. to withdraw from both NATO and the United Nations, which raised alarms about the future of U.S. commitments to Europe.
At the London summit, Tusk plans to promote the necessity of reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank, advocating for more European troops stationed across Finland, the Baltic states, and along Poland’s border with both Russia and Belarus. He noted, "Today, everyone is loudly saying: peace through strength," underscoring the belief among many leaders, including himself, of the imperative for Europe to be well-armed to deter potential aggressors and support Ukraine's sovereignty.
Poland is set to invest 4.7% of its GDP on defense this year, which will mark the highest defense spending relative to GDP within NATO. This commitment showcases Poland's determination to not only bolster its capabilities but also reflect responsibility within the alliance.
Tusk's remarks extend beyond simple support for Ukraine, advocating for European military autonomy. He stated, "We support Ukraine and we strengthen our alliance with the United States – no matter how difficult the circumstances are." This reiteration of transatlantic ties also reflects Tusk's desire for Europe to believe it can function as a significant global power, capable of independent defense measures.
Throughout his leadership, Tusk has emphasized Poland's need to buy additional "insurance policies" through tactical European armaments and military partnerships. He argues for Europe’s military independence, stating, “Europe is a power. It will not be an alternative to America, but its most desirable ally.” This reflects his belief in ensuring capable European defenses without becoming isolated.
While Tusk advocates for Europe to shoulder greater responsibility for its defense, Polish foreign relations maintain focus on the U.S. relationship. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently lauded Poland as "a model ally" during his visit to Warsaw, reinforcing the narrative of strong U.S.-Poland relations, which Hegseth was eager to bolster on his first overseas trip.
At the London summit, Tusk is expected to call out the collective European vision for defense. Echoing sentiments of historical responsibilities, he asserted, “Today we have…a deficit of imagination and courage.” His challenge aims at encouraging European leaders to recognize their collective strength and to improve military readiness, emphasizing, “A strong Europe, confident of its strength, well prepared to defend its borders, is one capable of guaranteeing peace.”
The volatile dynamics surrounding security cooperation, particularly involving NATO and European defenses, remain at the forefront of international discussions. Tusk’s articulation of Poland's strategic objectives and its unwavering support for Ukraine embodies the broader sentiments of Eastern European nations eager to defend themselves from potential aggression.
Poland's role as a bulwark against Russian expansionism has become increasingly prominent, and Tusk's calls for action reflect not just Poland's interests but resonate with the aspirations of several Eastern European nations. Understanding Poland's pivotal position within NATO and the EU is integral to grasping the current regional balance of power.
On the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Poland's Foreign Minister echoed Tusk’s remarks at the United Nations, stating, "We, as Europeans, will continue to stand side by side with Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace." This unifying statement captures the essence of Europe’s commitment to support Ukraine as it grapples with Russian military aggression, signaling solidarity among its allies.