IsraelPolish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Tuesday that peace talks over the war in Ukraine could begin in the “winter,” a timeline that coincides with Poland’s January 1 presidency of the European Union.
Tusk gave no details about where, when or even who would be involved, but told his cabinet he hoped the “ultimate effect” of the EU talks would lead to peace in Ukraine.
But Tusk said Poland, which has firmly supported Ukraine since Russian troops invaded the country in 2022, would be a major player in the talks.
“I really hope that Poland will not only be there, but also set the tone for these decisions, bring us security and ensure Poland’s interests,” Tusk said.
French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Warsaw later this week to give a presentation on his meetings last weekend with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Tusk said.
Zelensky said Tuesday that “only decisive measures” can end Russia’s war in Ukraine and bring about lasting peace.
Days after talks with Macron and Trump, Zelensky said working together to end the war was a priority and he thanked Trump for his “strong determination to end this war in a fair way.”
Zelensky also said he told Trump that Russian President Vladimir Putin fears him, “only him and maybe China.”
“We know that the United States is capable of doing extraordinary things that others cannot,” Zelensky wrote on X. “To successfully end this war, we need unity, the unity of the United States, Europe and all other people in the world who value security, firmness and peace.”
The transition of U.S. leadership from President Joe Biden’s administration to Trump’s new term next month has raised questions about the extent to which Washington will stick with Ukraine.
The U.S. has led efforts under Biden to provide Ukraine with billions of dollars in military aid, including munitions and air defense systems to defend against Russian attacks.
Trump said after their meeting on Sunday that Ukraine should immediately cease fire and start negotiations with Russia.
