Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the European Council summit in Brussels on October 23, discussing defence cooperation and Poland’s potential role in Ukraine’s military industry.
EU Summit in Brussels Sets the Stage
The meeting took place during the two‑day European Council summit held in Brussels on October 23. Main agendas included approval of Europe’s defence plan with emphasis on strengthening the eastern flank against Russia, a reparatory loan for Ukraine, and adjustments to climate policy.
Tusk–Zelensky Defence Dialogue
Zelensky told X that he and Tusk discussed joint defence projects and use of the SAFE instrument. He briefed the prime minister on Russian air attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector, stressing that the country needs enhanced protection and that this impacts the security of the entire European airspace.
Ukraine Aims for Polish Industrial Investment
Both leaders covered military support for Ukraine. Zelensky added that Ukraine is interested in Polish firms investing in its defence industry and thanked Tusk for the conversation, calling for continued joint work on collective security.
Zelensky Praises New EU Sanctions Against Russia
The Ukrainian president expressed satisfaction with the 19th EU sanctions package approved by member states, noting that Kyiv had been awaiting these restrictions. He urged that they work, claiming Russia shows no willingness to end the conflict and continues to attack civilian targets.
US Sanctions Target Russian Oil Giants
Zelensky also welcomed U.S. sanctions, which include the two largest Russian oil conglomerates, Rosneft and Lukoil, and many of their subsidiaries, seeing them as a positive signal for other nations to join the effort.
