Donald Tusk's visit to Kiev signals a change in Polish-Ukrainian relations – from the emotional solidarity of 2022 to an emphasis on issues of energy security, defense cooperation and economic calculations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Donald Tusk talked on Thursday, February 5 in Kiev about support for the Ukrainian energy system, which is still in a critical condition after Russian attacks. Tusk was accompanied by Finance Minister Andrzej Domański, which emphasizes the growing importance of economic issues alongside security issues.
The visit confirms that Polish-Ukrainian relations are becoming stronger they come into phasepragmatic calculations.
The ninth annual Ukraine Reconstruction Conference will be held in Gdańsk in June, focusing on international support — both in the areas of economic development and democratic reforms. On Thursday, Poland joined the Ukraine Donors Platform as a temporary member.
Reconstruction is not only about physical repair of war damage, but also a broad process of modernization – both “soft” (changes in law and its enforcement) and “hard” (infrastructure). This requires investment, and business and capital need peace and credible security guarantees. Therefore, cooperation is now focused on lower-risk areas, such as services and trade. It is worth adding that during the joint press conference of Tusk and Zelensky in Kiev, air raid sirens could be heard – which vividly highlights the ongoing threats.
Donald Tusk and Volodymyr Zelensky lay flowers at the Wall of Remembrance for Ukraine's Fallen in Kiev, Ukraine, February 5, 2026.Paweł Supernak / PAP
Direct military aid has dominated political discussions in 2022, but over time there is increasing emphasis on joint ventures and industrial cooperation.
Poland and Ukraine cooperate under the EU defense program SAFE (Security Action for Europe), as well as under Ukraine's PURL list of priority needs in NATO, which concerns arms purchases for Ukraine from the US. In the context of SAFE, Tusk emphasized not only safety, but also “good business”.
At the same time, direct transfers of equipment are also underway. As part of the 48th military aid package, worth nearly $56 million. (approx. PLN 200 million), Poland is to provide armored equipment to Ukraine. There are also plans for additional MiG-29 fighters in exchange for the transfer of drone and anti-missile technologies.
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Energy: Orlen and Naftogaz
Tusk also met with the Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko, and energy cooperation – including the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) – was at the center of the talks.
In recent days, thanks to the partnership of Ukrainian and Polish energy companies, the first cargo of American LNG for 2026 arrived in Ukraine.
— wrote Svyrydenko on Thursday on the X platform.
The deliveries are organized in cooperation with the Polish state-owned company Orlen, which in November 2025 signed a contract with the Ukrainian Naftogaz for 300 million cubic meters. gas. Almost 100 million cubic meters. has already been delivered to the LNG terminal in Świnoujście and transferred to Ukraine. Such supplies are crucial, especially during severe frosts and intensified Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.
The Volhynia case
Ukraine's decision to agree to the exhumation of victims from Volhynia has pushed the historical dispute into the background, opening space for a more pragmatic policy.
This approach unites both the Polish government and the president – despite their internal political conflicts, their strategic vision towards Ukraine remains largely convergent.
Even if some of Karol Nawrocki's statements had a skeptical tone, Poland's real policy towards Kiev is coherent. In this sense, Polish-Ukrainian relations may enter a new phase after 2022: from emotional solidarity and unconditional assistance, through a period of tension, towards pragmatism.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
