Poland in the EU

The Prime Minister also stated that no Member State can claim the right to represent the European Union as a whole in negotiations with Russia, and that Poland will not accept any decisions concerning Ukraine's future made without its participation.

Europe's task is to support Ukraine

During the European Council meeting, EU leaders discussed the current situation in Ukraine and the related challenges to Europe's security.

"Ukraine's successes in carrying out deep strikes, including against Moscow, have been widely recognised. On the one hand, there is a sense that our support is delivering results; on the other, we are aware that the more difficult Russia's situation becomes, the greater the risk of unconventional actions against EU Member States,"

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said during a press conference in Brussels.

Russia is currently showing no genuine willingness to end the conflict. Among European leaders, there is no longer any belief that Vladimir Putin is seeking peace talks.

"Nothing indicates that Russia is interested in any negotiations. In this situation, Europe's task is to support Ukraine in such a way that it can continue to effectively resist Russian aggression,"

Donald Tusk said.

The European Council decided to extend sanctions against Russia for twelve months instead of six. The main elements of the next sanctions package were also agreed.

"As Europe, we will continue to look for effective ways to strike at the shadow fleet. In addition, under the 21st sanctions package, we will target cryptocurrency platforms that cooperate with the Russian regime,"

the Prime Minister explained.

Russia remains particularly active in the cryptocurrency market. Funds obtained through these channels can subsequently fuel Russia's war machine by financing the production of missiles and drones used in attacks on Ukraine.

Poland will not accept decisions made without its participation

The leaders of the Member States also discussed the representation of the European Union in potential future peace talks on Russia's war against Ukraine, as well as meetings held in smaller formats, such as the E3 or E5.

"No such format can claim the right to represent the whole of the European Union. That is the role of the institutions and the treaties. Poland will not accept any decisions made without its participation,"

Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced.

Any decisions concerning a possible ceasefire and a future peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia should be taken in accordance with the existing treaties, with the participation of all countries whose security will be affected by those decisions.

A safer Europe through a stronger eastern flank

Poland, together with the other countries on the EU's eastern flank, must be prepared for a range of scenarios, including provocations, drone-related incidents and cyberattacks. To protect against these threats, Poland is systematically strengthening its defence capabilities.

"No, let us not be afraid. Poland is increasingly well prepared for every possible scenario,"

the Prime Minister assured.

European leaders are now aware that the situation could become even more serious in the near future as the war continues.

"We have achieved a success—we have adopted a new European Union strategy that provides for increased financial support for protecting the eastern flank and for the development of a drone security programme,"

the Prime Minister said.

The Eastern Flank Guard initiative, implemented by several Member States, will be able to count on support from the European Union as a whole. At the same time, a joint European programme on drone security will be developed.