Donald Tusk did not hide his satisfaction with the atmosphere currently prevailing among EU leaders. During a conversation with journalists in Cyprus, the Prime Minister emphasized that for the first time in many years there was no one at the meeting who would represent Russia's interests.
Eloquent behavior of the Polish Prime Minister
Donald Tusk's statement initially had a very ironic tone. — This is a huge relief for everyone present at Friday's summit, because for the first time in years there are no Russians here – said the head of the Polish government.
At the same moment as these words fell from his mouth, he appeared in the background Robert FicoPrime Minister of Slovakia known for his pro-Russian demands. Tusk greeted him and then he turned to the journalists and “winked”. After a while, however, clearly changing his tone, he added: – No, no, it was a joke.
A new era in Brussels? “The atmosphere has changed”
According to diplomats, the working climate in Brussels has improved significantly after the recent departure of the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban. For years, it was the joint resistance of Budapest and Bratislava that blocked key Community decisions regarding, among others, aid for Ukraine, EU enlargement or imposing further restrictions on Moscow.
The effects of this change are already visible. The European Union has just introduced the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. This became possible only after Slovakia and Hungary decided to withdraw their previous objections, which unblocked the work of the European Council.
Tusk warns against negotiations with Putin
Despite the improvement in the mood within the EU, Donald Tusk remains a tough realist regarding Russia itself. The Polish Prime Minister openly admits that he is skeptical about any attempts at peace negotiations with the Kremlin.
— The European Union should be as strict as possible when it comes to measures against Russia – declared Tusk, advocating an uncompromising sanctions policy towards the authorities in Moscow.
