Poland stands with Ukraine, urges Europe to "rely on itself" while keeping U.S. ties, PM says ahead of London summit

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated this before departing for London on Sunday for an informal meeting of European leaders, as reported by an Ukrinform correspondent.

"The key message from Poland ahead of the London meeting, after these rather dramatic and significant days and recent hours, is that, first and foremost, in the Russia-Ukraine war, Poland stands with Ukraine. Without any 'buts,'" Tusk emphasized.

According to him, Poland's national interest requires not debates but "unequivocal and lasting support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression."

"Today, the situation is complex because, by standing with Ukraine in the interest of our national security, we, Poles, are simultaneously firm advocates of the closest possible alliance between Poland, Europe, and the entire West with the United States," Tusk stressed.

He acknowledged that Washington's current position on the war in Ukraine "is not as unequivocal" as Warsaw's stance.

In this regard, he emphasized that this dilemma must be resolved, and Poland, with its reputation as a reliable ally in Europe and the U.S., which allocates the most funds for defending European borders, "has a unique position, and its voice will be heard even more."

Tusk stressed that Poland will continue supporting Ukraine while simultaneously deepening relations with the U.S. "despite the challenging circumstances."

He stated that Poland must have an "additional insurance policy" in the form of strengthening its national and European defense capabilities. He believes that Europe "must take greater responsibility for the continent's security."

"This is a paradox, listen to how it sounds: 500 million Europeans ask 300 million Americans to protect them from 140 million Russians. If you know how to count, rely on yourself," Tusk emphasized.

The Polish prime minister stressed that Europe currently suffers from a "deficit of imagination and courage."

He pointed out that the European countries' army, together with Ukraine, consists of 2.6 million soldiers, while the U.S. has 1.3 million, China 2 million, and Russia 1.1 million.

"Europe has an advantage over everyone," Tusk stated.

He added that the same applies to fighter jets: Europe, together with Ukraine, has 2,091, the U.S. has 1,456, China 1,409, and Russia 1,224.

"Europe, together with Ukraine, has twice as many combat aircraft as Russia," the Polish prime minister emphasized.

He also noted that together with Ukraine, Europe has 14,400 artillery systems, while the U.S. has 5,000, China 9,500, and Russia 5,157.

"There is nothing even to compare. As I said: the deficit lies in the inability to understand that Europe has the potential to be a great power," the Polish prime minister stressed.

He added that Europe must wake up and take the protection of the continent seriously.

"Today, we all loudly declare: peace through strength. A strong and well-armed Europe that believes in its strength and is ready to defend its borders is a Europe that can guarantee peace not through Ukraine’s capitulation, but thanks to its own united strength," the Polish prime minister emphasized.

Tusk also announced that he would support Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s initiative at the London meeting to convene an EU-U.S. summit.

He also stressed that he would ask allies to strengthen the EU’s eastern flank by ensuring the presence of European allied troops in Finland, the Baltic states, and Poland — on the borders with Russia and Belarus.