Poland will not send its soldiers to Ukraine, but will support countries that do - Tusk
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that the country will not send soldiers to Ukraine, but will support the decisions of other European countries that want to do so. Warsaw will continue to support Kyiv with military aid.
He said this before departing for an emergency summit of European leaders in Paris, Censor.NET reports citing RMF24.
"Poland is determined to cooperate on the issue of security, on the issue of Ukraine and the Russian-Ukrainian war with the European Union, with European allies such as the United Kingdom and Norway, and, of course, first and foremost, with the United States," the Polish prime minister said.
"As Europe, we will not be able to help Ukraine effectively if we do not immediately take practical measures regarding our own defense capabilities," Tusk said.
He noted that both Europe and the United States need Poland, Ukraine, and security in the region.
"It is in the interests of Europe and the United States to cooperate as closely as possible, despite the differences and emotions that may accompany this cooperation," the Polish Prime Minister added.
"We do not envisage sending Polish soldiers to the territory of Ukraine, but we will support countries that may want to provide such guarantees," Tusk assured.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Poland would continue to support Ukraine "organizationally, in accordance with our capabilities: financially, humanitarian and in terms of military assistance."
"We can and should play a positive role. By a positive role, I mean the closest possible cooperation between Poland, Ukraine - when it comes to issues of war and peace - with the European Union, the United States and European countries such as the United Kingdom and Norway," the Polish minister summarized.
Peacekeeping forces in Ukraine
Earlier, it was reported that French President Emmanuel Macron would discuss with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk the deployment of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine if an agreement is reached to end the current phase of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk denied that Polish troops would be sent to Ukraine after the ceasefire.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas assessed the possibility of sending a European peacekeeping mission to Ukraine.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crozetto expressed his readiness to support a peacekeeping mission to Ukraine if peace is achieved.
In turn, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called these discussions "premature."
Germany, together with its partners, will consider the possible deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of "security guarantees" only after the conditions are created, namely a ceasefire with Russia.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has stated that several countries are currently considering participation in a potential contingent of Western allies in Ukraine. However, specific plans for the deployment of foreign troops are still under discussion.
