“The unity of positions at this table was impressive, no wonder this was on the Polish side, but it is probably no wonder that we had a common position with President Joe Biden and the American side at virtually every point of this conversation. This is already a tradition, but it is not about tradition, but about clear common interests,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk said after a meeting with US President Joe Biden, in which he participated together with President Andrzej Duda.
Understandably, our conversation focused on Ukraine and US, EU and NATO assistance to Ukraine. We talked for a long time about how quickly it is possible to unblock US aid, we exchanged comments about how Poland is mobilizing the EU for this aid.
– he said.
A serious conversation at a serious moment, as we know that nowadays in international relations it is difficult to focus on any other topic than peace, war and aggression of Russia against Ukraine, but of course we also exchanged comments on the very intensive cooperation with the US. when it comes to energy
– added.
There is information about a possible favorable loan from the Americans for helicopters. I can say there are no surprises
– he pointed out.
He added that there was no question of additional US troops in Poland.
What was important to me, and in a sense the main purpose of my visit, was to affirm unequivocally that America would never hesitate to come to Poland’s aid if Poland were ever attacked and that Article 5 of the Washington Treaty was indisputable and that Americans I felt absolutely committed to immediate action if we need such help. I hope this won’t be necessary
– said Tusk.
“We are truly united and we will continue to support Ukraine.”
The only message we should send to Moscow is that the West is more united than ever before when it comes to Ukraine
– Tusk said during a briefing after the meeting with the US president, answering a question about his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He added that this is “despite the problems in the House of Representatives”. He expressed the hope that Mike Johnson – the Speaker of the House of Representatives, on whom, according to the American press, the fate of the aid bill for Ukraine depends – “will feel responsible for thousands of lives in Ukraine.” According to Tusk, “he is also responsible for the future of ordinary people.”
But the clear message is, not only from Washington today, but also from all capitals in Europe, that we are truly united and we will continue to support Ukraine. In Moscow, they need to be sure that this is not a haphazard short-term approach. This is something we will be absolutely consistent about
– said the Prime Minister.
I am confident I can say this on behalf of other European leaders
– added.
3 percent of GDP
During the briefing after this meeting, Prime Minister Tusk was asked about Monday’s statement by President Duda, who announced during the National Security Council meeting that he would call on NATO allies to adopt the 3% threshold. defense spending.
To conclude the discussion about this 3%. President Duda has good will here and is determined to mobilize the NATO member states that pay less than 2 percent today. In a sense, he is trying to shame those who don’t meet the 2% ceiling. and perhaps this initiative will further mobilize these countries
– replied Tusk.
However, as the Prime Minister said, the response to this proposal has been ‘pretty lukewarm’.
But let’s wait. Maybe some people in the world will get used to just having to spend more. This appeal does not apply to Poland or the United States
– said Tusk.
Support for Ukraine
During the press conference, Tusk was asked whether he had spoken to Biden about the financial aid package for Ukraine.
I told President Biden that the decision to unblock aid to Ukraine in Congress is very important for Ukraine and the entire Western community – including the United States.
– Tusk reported. He stressed that “we must stop speculation about whether the United States is and will continue to be involved in helping Ukraine.”
President Biden said he remains optimistic about a resolution to this impasse. I said that this would be of great importance from the point of view of my activities in Europe: maintaining this pro-Ukrainian mobilization in the European capitals.
– emphasized the Prime Minister.
He added that our European partners “want to know whether they can count on consistency from the American side, including on this issue.”
I also hope that the voice from Poland and Europe will change the attitude of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson
– he said. He stressed that the announcer must be aware “that the fate of millions of people depends on his individual decision.”
This is not a political skirmish that only matters on the American political stage. Johnson’s lack of a positive decision will cost thousands of lives in Ukraine: children, women, entire families. He takes personal responsibility for this
– Tusk emphasized.
tkwl/wPolityce.pl/PAP
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Source: wPolityce