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A common front of the USA, Europe and Ukraine
Donald Tusk did not hide the fact that he perceived the Berlin summit as a signal of long-awaited unity. — It is a fact that, probably for the first time, it was so clearly visible that both Americans, Europeans, and Ukraine were on one side. — Tusk said during a briefing after the summit.
As he pointed out, only coherent action by the entire West may persuade Russia to take talks about ending the war or even a ceasefire seriously. The Prime Minister emphasized that It is crucial to prevent a situation in which the Kremlin tries to play up the differences between Washington, European capitals and Kiev.
The head of government pointed out that The efforts of European leaders so far are starting to bear fruit, although – as he noted – this is only an initial stage. The mere readiness to talk does not mean their success, and the road to lasting peace remains long and complicated.
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Security guarantees and the role of Poland
One of the most important topics of the talks was security guarantees for Ukraine. The findings show that a military mission of European countries, supported by the United States, is being considered, which could also operate on Ukrainian territory. Tusk emphasized that What is particularly important is the clear declaration of the American side about its readiness to participate in such a guarantee system, which is intended to deter Russia from another aggression.
Volodymyr Zelensky in London at a meeting with EU leaders
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Tusk was asked by journalists whether the guarantees for Ukraine are similar to Article 5 of NATO, which stipulates mutual defense. — That would be too much said, too strongly said. But I heard it for the first time from American negotiators here Mr. (Steve) Witkoff was very clear that America would engage in security guarantees for Ukraine in such a way that the Russians would have no doubt that the American response would be military if the Russians attacked Ukraine again. So in a way it's like Article 5but I would not refer directly to Article 5, because it may only make further talks more difficult, but the declaration we heard today was really far-reaching – replied the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that any decisions regarding territorial concessions belong solely to Ukraine. Poland – as he emphasized – does not intend to put any pressure on this matter, limiting itself to supporting Kiev in the negotiations so that there is no situation that could be considered a Russian triumph.
In the context of the presence of international military forces in Ukraine Tusk again emphasized that Poland would focus on securing NATO's eastern flank. Our country is to play a key logistical role – as a transport hub and a base for the reconstruction of Ukraine – but decisions on the possible sending of soldiers remain the exclusive competence of Warsaw.
Frozen assets and prospects for peace talks
The topic of frozen Russian assets was also discussed during the summit. As the Prime Minister admitted, there is a long way to reach an agreement on using them for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Currently, it is only possible to freeze them permanently, and the possible use of the funds – even indirectly, for example as security for loans – remains a question of the future. Tusk noted that European and American positions on this matter clearly differ.
The head of government also left no doubts about a quick ceasefire. In his opinion Russia is currently not really interested in peace, which is why it is necessary to further increase the pressure and demonstrate Western unity. “Only then can the talks take on a concrete character,” he said, adding that the prospect of stopping the fighting before Christmas seemed unlikely.
