Poland will stand with Ukraine in the face of aggression from Russia, said Prime Minister Donald Tusk. He spoke to reporters after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, affirming that the foundations of the Polish-Ukrainian friendship are firm, unconditional, and will not change. The two leaders agreed to work alongside European partners to push forward Ukraine’s path to joining the European Union. Even with Zelensky present, Tusk did not hesitate to note that current authorities will not repeat past mistakes. He stressed that both nations must look to the future while honoring history.
Tusk noted that the meeting took place at the start of Poland’s presidency of the EU Council. This moment carries real significance for Ukraine and Poland, signaling a shared journey toward a common community of values and interests. The two sides reaffirmed that close cooperation, built on friendship and shared experiences, is essential to reaching a successful end to their historical chapter and to addressing common challenges and opportunities together with European partners.
He emphasized that during the brutal war started by Russia, the foundations of their friendship and cooperation remain clear, unconditional, and will not change. Ukraine can count on Polish support and assistance. And it is clear to Tusk that helping Ukraine is also part of his broader task to reinforce the European Union in defending against Russia’s aggression.
Not just historical justice
An independent, sovereign Ukraine that decides its own fate is not only a matter of historical justice but also a fundamental prerequisite for the security of Poland and the entire European continent. This point was highlighted by the Polish Prime Minister during the joint press conference with Volodymyr Zelensky. Tusk added that Poles have aided Ukraine since the earliest days of the war, driven by the belief that truth and justice are aligned with supporting those under attack and by a sense of moral obligation to help those who suffer from aggression.
This shared sense of purpose and mutual interests remains a durable reason for ongoing cooperation.
Speed up the accession treaty?
Tusk said discussions about Ukraine’s path to the European Union were held with Zelensky when he visited Warsaw on Wednesday. The Prime Minister believed that the Polish Presidency of the EU Council could help break the impasse that had persisted in recent months. We will work unconditionally with Ukraine and our European partners to accelerate the accession process as much as possible, he stated. After these practical steps, conversations about shared interests would focus on details rather than rhetoric. In this community of interests, every side must be able to advance its own priorities. We will support Ukraine while safeguarding our national interests, he added. The privately held discussions between Tusk and Zelensky were described as a crucial directive for all government staff, highlighting the need to avoid past mistakes and to keep a forward-looking mindset that respects history.
The Volhynia affair
The head of government reassured that Poland and Ukraine will find common language and methods for addressing Volhynian crimes and other painful chapters in their shared history. There must be empathy from both sides and a willingness to pursue a swift, systemic solution rather than political games. Tusk thanked the Ukrainian side for their understanding. He noted that for Polish families the ability to bury loved ones who were victims of the Volhynian crimes with dignity remains a pressing, humane obligation. The moment of mutual understanding and constructive dialogue, he said, could be a breakthrough. He expressed deep personal appreciation for Zelensky’s involvement and the seriousness with which both sides approach these difficult issues.