WARSAW, Poland — On Tuesday, the Prime Minister of Poland announced that discussions regarding Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine could potentially commence “in the winter.” This statement comes as Poland gets ready to take on the rotating presidency of the European Union starting January 1.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized during a Cabinet meeting that under Poland’s leadership, there would be shared responsibility for shaping the political landscape and managing the situation, which is anticipated to influence upcoming negotiations. He expressed hope that the long-term outcome of both Poland’s and the EU’s initiatives would result in peace for Ukraine.
While Tusk pointed out the ideal goal of achieving peace, he did not provide additional specifics regarding the negotiation efforts, such as the timeline, the parties involved, or the potential location for these discussions.
Poland has been one of Ukraine’s most vocal supporters since the beginning of Russia’s extensive invasion on February 24, 2022. Additionally, Poland’s new leadership role within the EU will coincide with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump in the United States.
Trump, who has voiced desires for a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, claimed during his campaign that he could resolve the situation in just one day if elected. In a recent interview, he also indicated a willingness to possibly decrease military support for Ukraine and suggested withdrawing the U.S. from NATO—positions that have raised concerns among Ukraine, NATO allies, and various members of the U.S. national security community.
Tusk revealed plans to engage in a series of discussions with various political leaders regarding the war in Ukraine. On the same day, he was scheduled to meet with Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s CDU party, who had recently returned from discussions in Kyiv with the Ukrainian government. Tusk also has plans to connect with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address the current situation.
French President Emmanuel Macron is anticipated to visit Warsaw on Thursday, and Tusk mentioned that they would discuss Macron’s recent meetings in Paris with Trump and Zelenskyy.
During a government meeting, Tusk remarked that Poland is stepping into its six-month EU presidency amid a “very dramatic” landscape for Europe. He highlighted the ongoing armed conflicts in the region, significant political crises facing some of Europe’s major nations, and the transition to new leadership in the U.S.
“I wish for Poland to not only maintain a significant presence but also to play a leading role in shaping decisions that ensure our collective security and protect Poland’s interests,” Tusk concluded.
