Tusk: Poland is ‘frontline state’ that can’t ‘give everything’ to Ukrainian defense

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk reaffirmed Warsaw’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense in its war with Russia during a surprise visit to Lviv on Tuesday, but cautioned that his government would not be able to “give everything” to its neighbor as Poland itself faces increasing threats from the Kremlin.

“We are not able to give everything. In a sense, we are also a frontline state. Poland is increasingly becoming the target of sabotage, diversion [and] hybrid actions aimed directly against our citizens, our state,” Tusk said during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after their meeting.

Still, the prime minister emphasized Poland’s continuing solidarity with Ukraine, noting it was critical that Warsaw stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the embattled country, not only for Ukraine’s defense but also for Poland’s own protection as Russia ramps up its aggression in the region.

Tusk also acknowledged the historical “ups and downs” that have occurred in relations between Kyiv and Warsaw. Responding to a question from a reporter about lingering bad blood from the World War II Volhynia massacre, in which a Ukrainian guerrilla group killed tens of thousands of Poles within an ethnic cleansing mission, Tusk said it would be a “terrible mistake, an unforgivable sin” to let “bad history and bad emotions” interfere with Polish-Ukrainian solidarity. 

Tensions have continued to simmer between the two nations despite their anti-Russia alliance, with Tusk himself in August threatening that Poland would block Ukraine’s accession to the European Union — whose presidency Poland assumes in the new year — unless Ukraine meets the requisite “cultural and political standards.”

But the Polish leader has since changed his tune, confirming on Tuesday Warsaw’s commitment to accelerating Ukraine’s EU accession talks and saying Kyiv can count on Poland to support its NATO membership too.

For his part, Zelenskyy told reporters he was “pleased with the cooperation” between the ministries of culture of the two countries, and stated that “progress” is being made toward addressing historical tensions. 

“We appreciate everything that Poland has done for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.