Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Warsaw on Thursday to discuss their countries’ cooperation in supporting Ukraine. During a press conference, Tusk clarified that Poland does not plan to deploy troops in Ukraine following a ceasefire. He highlighted that decisions regarding Poland’s actions will be made exclusively in Warsaw.
In a joint statement to the media, Tusk aimed to dispel speculation about the potential presence of troops from any country in Ukraine following a truce, ceasefire, or peace agreement. He insisted that Ukraine must be included in any peace talks, stating that Kyiv must accept every proposal.
Both leaders also discussed their joint efforts to bring a just peace to Ukraine. Tusk acknowledged that Macron’s role in this process is crucial.
“Polish-French relations are not only traditional friendship and mutual understanding but also a key element for the future of Europe. I am convinced that this spring, we will sign a friendship treaty, which will be a breakthrough moment in the history of both our countries,” Tusk said during the joint press conference.
He noted that Poland bears the most significant burden among European countries due to the war in Ukraine and has taken on the responsibility of protecting NATO’s border with Russia and Belarus.
Tusk called on European leaders for full support and cooperation regarding border security, asserting that “Poland is the largest, key, and the only aid hub for Ukraine on this scale.” He expressed conviction that assisting Ukraine is essential for the security of Poland, France, and Europe.
“Poland and France present the same position in every important matter concerning the security of Europe. That is why it is so important that we work on various solutions and details together and in full agreement,” the Polish Prime Minister highlighted.
Macron addressed the rising manipulation, hybrid attacks, and disinformation campaigns coordinated by Russian-linked actors in Europe. He spoke about Russia’s disinformation attacks and its attempts to influence elections in Europe, citing Moldova and Georgia as examples. However, he expressed satisfaction with Maia Sandu‘s victory in the Moldovan presidential elections and supported the efforts of Georgian defenders in their pursuit of European integration. Macron also mentioned Romania, where the Supreme Court invalidated the first round of presidential elections.
The French President stressed that lasting peace in Ukraine is only achievable through negotiations with the Ukrainians, who need to be provided with enduring security guarantees. Macron asserted that he and Prime Minister Tusk are unified in their stance that “there will be no peace in Ukraine without Ukrainians; they must negotiate.” He added, “But there will also be no security in Europe without Europeans.” The French President reiterated the support Poland has provided to Ukraine amid the conflict initiated by Russia.
“I salute Poland’s role since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. Because there will be no peace in Ukraine without the Ukrainians and no security in Europe without the Europeans, let us continue to work together to achieve this,” President Macron posted on X.
