Solidarity with Ukraine is in our shared interest
 

Today it is Ukraine that faces Russian aggression. But we must be prepared for other ways this situation could develop.

"Poland and other countries must be prepared for various scenarios. Recent events show that attacks are being concentrated near the Polish border, which is worrying news, so we will act with caution," said Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

The solidarity and cooperation of the region's countries, and the joint presence of their leaders in Ukraine, are of particular significance, both for supporting Ukraine in its fight and for the security of our region.

"Against all negative trends, I will always support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, because I am deeply convinced that Ukraine's sovereignty and security mean Poland's sovereignty and security," the Prime Minister declared.

Russia is conducting intensive attacks on Ukraine, targeting among other things its energy infrastructure and industry. In the Head of Government's view, the war of attrition against the Ukrainian economy is entering a decisive phase.

For now, the Prime Minister has no doubt that the United States will stand with us in the face of threats such as Russian escalation.

Mutual understanding matters most
 

During the Carpathian Integration Initiative summit in Ukraine, Prime Minister Donald Tusk also met President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss key bilateral issues, including Poland's participation in the Anti-Ballistic Coalition. The leaders agreed on the forms and framework of this cooperation.

"As of today, Poland is part of this great project. (...) In the future, maybe not today, but certainly tomorrow, this will mean much safer European, and therefore also Polish, skies," said Donald Tusk.

The Anti-Ballistic Coalition is a group of countries and companies that will work together to protect against ballistic missiles. This means closer cooperation in developing new defence technologies and strengthening the security of Poland and the entire continent.

The Prime Minister also addressed the issues that divide the two nations.

"I am convinced that we can work towards a future for Poland and Ukraine in the belief that the truth is always better than a lie, even a very painful one," said the Head of Government.

Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that the two countries are strong partners and can talk openly about sensitive issues.

"We are friends, and Russia is the enemy. If we begin any kind of dialogue from the same shared understanding, I think we will be able to handle anything," said the Ukrainian President.

The Prime Minister thanked Ukraine for its readiness to try to understand Polish sensitivities.

Cooperation supporting Ukraine's EU integration
 

The Carpathian Integration Initiative was launched in 2025. It covers 8 countries (Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Ukraine), including 43 administrative regions. In Poland, these are the Podkarpackie, Małopolskie and Śląskie voivodeships.

"The Carpathian format can be helpful on Ukraine's path to the European Union. Our Polish experience is clear, interregional cooperation is the best way to implement European rules and cooperation," said Donald Tusk.

The Prime Minister announced that, as a firm supporter of EU enlargement, he will take this initiative very seriously.

The leaders' summit also opens a forum bringing together representatives of business, local government and civil society organisations from various countries.