Tusk warns Nawrocki to stay cautious during Trump visit
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (photo: Getty Images)
Poland readies infrastructure and funding to increase the US troops footprint on its territory in line with earlier promises made by President Donald Trump, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Preparations for expanded US contingent
The head of the Polish government states that the government committee on national security will soon begin work on ensuring logistics for American troops.
"As requested by Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the Security Committee on Tuesday morning will work on preparing locations, infrastructure, logistics, and funds for the presence of US forces in Poland," Tusk said.
He stressed that Warsaw aims to be fully prepared to implement the American leader's statement on military support.
Nawrocki's visit to Washington
The prime minister's comments came ahead of a planned visit by Polish President Karol Nawrocki to the United States, where he is set to meet with Donald Trump.
The sides are expected to discuss security issues, the permanent presence of US troops, and economic and energy cooperation.
Commenting on Nawrocki's participation in official White House events, which will include a UFC mixed-martial-arts gala, Donald Tusk jokingly urged the president "not to let himself be dragged into the cage."
"We know he likes boxing, but it's better not to take risks. We know how some fights end, so I hope he won't be persuaded into such a confrontation," the prime minister said, while also expressing hope that Nawrocki would remind Trump of his security commitments.
Ukraine–Poland relations
Tensions have recently emerged in relations between Kyiv and Warsaw over historical issues, particularly a scandal involving the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.
Against this backdrop, rumors have surfaced about a possible blockade of Ukraine's EU integration steps. However, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has assured that Warsaw will not trade its support for Ukraine’s ambitions on its path to the EU.
According to him, integration will proceed under conditions that are safe and beneficial for Poland.
Despite the diplomatic tensions, Polish authorities are expecting a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Gdańsk, where the International Conference on Ukraine's Recovery will be held on June 25–26. Tusk signaled that he is officially awaiting the Ukrainian leader, who is a co-organizer of the major business-focused event.
At the same time, Warsaw continues to firmly defend its positions on the international stage regarding efforts to resolve the war. In particular, Donald Tusk stated that Poland demands mandatory participation in negotiations on Ukraine and will not recognize any agreements reached without its knowledge.
The Polish prime minister also expressed dissatisfaction with the closed Western European E3 format and warned allies against attempts to rush into dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
