Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk cautioned during a Wednesday press conference that Donald Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska is unlikely to yield a conclusive decision, yet it may signal a swift move toward ending the war in Ukraine.
Tusk Takes a Stand on Trump‑Putin Meeting
On Wednesday, August 13, Prime Minister Donald Tusk told the press that the Trump‑Putin meeting “will probably not end with a resolution, but could be a step toward relatively quick decisions about ending the war in Ukraine.” He emphasized that the gathering stirs emotions because it directly involves Poland’s security.
Tusk highlighted that Poland’s position is “an orientation for other countries on how discussions about Ukraine should proceed.” He stressed that “no one should consider recognizing Russia’s right to set borders for its neighbors.”
He warned against repeating the situation in which major powers discuss the fates of smaller states behind their backs, asserting that “Poland has no illusion about Putin’s policy.” He added that “only an idiot or a traitor could keep their fingers on the pulse for Russia in this conflict.”
Prime Minister on Cooperation with the President
In the context of relations with President Karol Nawrocki, Tusk said that, regardless of political conflicts, Poland must cooperate on security, war, and peace. “It is our duty,” he said. “We cannot allow ourselves to be manipulated by anyone, especially under difficult constitutional conditions.”
Series of Talks
On Wednesday, a three‑leg session preceded the Friday Trump‑Putin meeting. European leaders, including the Ukrainian president, met with Trump, and Carole Nawrocki represented Poland. Tusk attended a separate meeting of European leaders with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Another session included a European leaders’ meeting in which the prime minister participated. Zelensky told Trump that additional sanctions should be placed on Russia if it refused an immediate ceasefire. He communicated this during a post‑talk conference with the President of the United States before the Alaska summit.
Further Information
Read more in our interview with General Polko: “Bitter Words of a General. ‘Trump Negotiates Ukraine’s Surrender’” (link).
