Poland’s EU presidency marks key moment in Ukraine’s path to membership - PM Tusk

He made this statement during a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Poland.

"The beginning of Poland’s presidency in the EU Council is a significant moment for both Ukraine and Poland on Ukraine’s path to the EU... This war will end positively for Ukraine and all of Western Europe. While we don’t have a short-term scenario, we believe the aggressor won’t emerge victorious. We will speak in the language of concrete interests," Tusk said.

The Polish Prime Minister assured that his country "will not repeat the mistakes of predecessors and will look to the future."

"The European Union is increasingly becoming a community of security, but it is also a community of interests. In this community, everyone must take care of their interests. We will continue to help Ukraine while also safeguarding our national interests," Tusk added.

At the same time, he emphasized that Poland is ready to organize the third summit on Ukraine’s reconstruction.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the Volyn tragedy and the issue of exhuming its victims.

"I won’t allow Poland’s dramatic history to be used for political games. We will work systematically and consistently to address this issue quickly... This is an obvious problem that needs resolution – the problem of Polish families being able to properly bury their loved ones who were victims of the Volyn tragedy," Tusk stated.

Zelenskyy: Ukraine expects joint work in the spirit of peace

Zelenskyy thanked the Polish people for their unwavering support of Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion and for their respect toward Ukrainians currently residing in Poland.

"There were several key issues discussed during the talks. Today’s massive Russian strike demonstrates how critical it is for all of us in Europe to maintain effective cooperation to protect lives... We discussed the supply and production of weapons. Ukraine has significant capabilities for producing various types of drones, equipment necessary for combat, and artillery. We talked about investments we need. It is important that Ukraine’s domestic production has grown and can strengthen our forces," Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader also highlighted dialogue on bringing peace closer for Ukraine and Europe.

"We expect active joint work in the spirit of peace through strength with the newly elected U.S. President Trump. We discussed sanctions against Russia for the war and Ukraine’s path to the EU. At the very least, we can open several clusters," Zelenskyy emphasized.

Radio Liberty reported that on January 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Poland on an official visit. He has several meetings planned with top Polish officials.

At around 12:00, Zelenskyy’s meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk began. Afterward, the Ukrainian president will meet with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda at the Belweder Presidential Palace.

The Ukrainian leader’s itinerary also includes a meeting with students from the Warsaw School of Economics and the Ukrainian community.

The visit was announced by presidential press secretary Serhii Nykyforov, according to RBC-Ukraine.

Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak stated that during the meetings, leaders will discuss the war in Ukraine, weapons, sanctions, and reducing Russia’s energy resources as a tool for financing the war.

"A weak Putin and a strong Europe are essential for everyone," he added.

The Polish government’s press service also confirmed Donald Tusk’s meeting with Zelenskyy.

• Zelenskyy last met with Tusk in Lviv on December 17.