Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s press secretary, told a briefing that Poland’s accusations against Russia were unfounded. He added that Poland has a reputation for making such charges and often seems intent on keeping ahead of other European states in this behavior. [Source: Kremlin briefing]
On the eve of remarks attributed to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Peskov asserted that Moscow faced claims of planning air terror against airlines worldwide. He linked his comments to a meeting between Tusk and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, noting that the issue had been raised in that context. [Source: Kremlin briefing]
Tusk welcomed Zelensky to the Polish prime minister’s office on January 15 for talks that touched on Kyiv’s needs and the assistance Warsaw would provide in the conflict with Moscow. The two leaders also discussed how Poland, in its forthcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union, would steer discussions on Ukraine’s prospects within the bloc. [Source: Polish government briefing]
During the exchange, Tusk stressed that Poland would consider sending its military personnel to Ukrainian territory only after active hostilities had ended. He emphasized that this position was not meant to display Warsaw’s closeness to Kyiv but to set real conditions for any security contributions. [Source: Polish government briefing]
Earlier Zelensky’s comments about a Polish presidential candidate had sparked controversy, underscoring how political statements can ripple across alliance politics and EU policy plans. [Source: Kyiv press coverage]
Analysts note that the remarks and the responses reveal a broader pattern in the region. Warsaw seeks to balance forthright support for Ukraine with the political realities of governance within the EU and NATO, while Moscow continues to deny accusations and press its own narrative through briefings and public remarks. The EU Council presidency is expected to shape Ukraine’s path toward closer integration while keeping allied concerns in view. [Source: Analyst briefings]
Within this framework, allies in Europe watch how statements from Kyiv, Warsaw, and Moscow influence funding, weapons deliveries, and diplomatic support for Ukraine. The conversations accompanying such visits highlight the ongoing effort to coordinate military, economic, and political tools against Russia’s actions. [Source: Security briefings]
Beyond the immediate political theater, the situation emphasizes how the EU’s council presidency can affect Ukraine’s candidate status, reform timelines, and security assurances offered to Kyiv by member states. While Moscow keeps to its line of denial, Western officials stress unity and shared responsibility in maintaining pressure on Russia to reverse aggression. [Source: EU officials]