This article was originally published in English
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in the Ukrainian city of Lviv on Tuesday. Mr Tusk expressed his country’s unwavering support for Ukraine as Warsaw prepares to take over the presidency of the Council of the European Union.
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Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has reaffirmed Warsaw’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion. The Polish prime minister made a surprise visit to the Ukrainian city of Lviv on Tuesday, where he was warmly welcomed by President Zelensky.
Mr Tusk assured Mr Zelenskyy that Poland is a partner Kyiv can count on. “Our story is both complicated and beautiful. There have been many positives and negatives in our relations, but this is the story of nations that, in the face of difficulties, demonstrated that they understood the crucial historical moment, marked by the invasion of Russia” said Mr. Tusk during a press briefing.
“Poland’s aid to Ukraine and Ukraine’s struggle. It is a great thing that was born between our peoples“, noted the Prime Minister.
Mr. Tusk also informed Volodymyr Zelensky of Warsaw’s willingness and commitment to help Ukraine strengthen its defenses. The Polish Prime Minister said his country was ready to support Ukraine’s dreams of becoming a full member of the European Union.
Poland is set to hold the presidency of the European Union for six months starting January 1. Mr Tusk said Poland would act on behalf of Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union: “the Polish presidency also means accelerating and making accession negotiations more realistic“. He also said that Poland will do everything in its power to “make the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO more and more real“, while recognizing that this could take time and face challenges.
Mr. Tusk also announced the upcoming opening of a new border post with Ukraine, as well as a new military aid program for kyiv.
Mr. Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Poland for the support it gave him during almost three years of war with Russia. The Ukrainian leader also expressed his country’s gratitude for the promises made by Warsaw to facilitate prospects for NATO membership.
“I am grateful to Poland for supporting our desire to become a full member of NATO, to receive an invitation to the Alliance as soon as possible. Poland understands how important it is, in our part of the “Europe, that security is truly guaranteed and that there is no geopolitical uncertainty,” Mr. Zelenskyy declared during a joint press briefing following the meeting between the two men.
On December 10, Tusk said his country was ready to begin peace talks to end the fighting in Ukraine when it takes over the EU presidency.
In response to Mr. Tusk’s earlier remarks, Mr. Zelensky stressed that permanent peace was more important than a mere pause in hostilities. He continued by stating that this was only possible thanks to the unity of all partners and on the basis of strong common positions and values.
A lot can change for Ukraine in the coming weeks on the diplomatic front. with in the first place the arrival of Donald Trump to the presidency of the United States on January 20.
The latter has always been very critical of his country’s support for Ukraine.
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