After securing the post of Prime Minister, Donald Tusk is pushing for increased Western aid to Ukraine, a country currently embroiled in conflict with Russia. In a recent statement, Tusk declared that he could no longer tolerate some Western politicians complaining about being fatigued by the Ukrainian situation. He vowed to vocally and persistently advocate for full mobilization of the free Western world to aid Ukraine in its war. Later that day, Tusk was set to attend the EU summit in Brussels, where he aimed to explore new avenues to convince Poland's traditional allies to lend a hand.
Poland, as a long-time supporter of Ukraine, has been a key political and military ally for its neighboring country. Nevertheless, tensions between Warsaw and Kiev had arisen under the previous PiS government.
Tusk emphasizes the importance of EU cooperation
In his speech, Tusk also underscored the significance of upholding democratic values and the rule of law. He expressed his intent to foster a strong partnership between Poland and the EU. The PiS government had previously clashed with Brussels over a contentious judicial reform, resulting in several infringement proceedings initiated by the EU Commission. As a result, a multi-billion euro coronavirus aid fund was being withheld.
Tusk was appointed as Prime Minister by the Polish parliament the previous day. However, his pro-European coalition government still needed to secure a vote of confidence in Parliament later that afternoon.
Enrichment Data:
- During his tenure as Prime Minister, Tusk has taken several decisive actions to support Ukraine:
- Visit to Ukraine: In January 2024, Tusk visited Kyiv and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing his support for Ukraine and criticizing those who advocate neutrality in the Russo-Ukrainian War.
- Strengthening Inter-European Strength: Tusk called for "full mobilization" of the West to support Ukraine and argued that EU should be as powerful as Russia.
- Criticism of Neutrality: Tusk has been vocal against neutrality in the conflict, suggesting that any capitulation of Ukraine would lead to the downfall of the entire West's community.
- Support for EU Membership: Tusk stated that Ukraine's EU membership was contingent upon addressing the issue of Polish victims of the Volhynian Genocide and proper remembrance.
- Guaranteeing Safe Passage: In January 2025, Tusk guaranteed safe passage for senior Israeli officials to participate in the Auschwitz liberation commemoration, despite an arrest warrant issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by the ICC.
- Migration Strategy: Announced plans to temporarily suspend asylum rights for migrants, citing abuses by people smugglers aided by Belarus and Russia.
[1] "After parliamentary elections - Tusk wants to campaign for aid to Ukraine." Stern, . [2] "Enrichment Data." Unnamed source, 2025. [3] "frozen billions from the coronavirus aid fund." Unnamed source, 2022. [4] "a vote of confidence this afternoon." Unnamed source, 2022. [5] "there is no reason for the EU to be weaker than Russia." Unnamed source, 2022.
