Key facts
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk believes peace in Ukraine is unlikely in the near future.
- Tusk expects Russia to extend the conflict until at least winter.
- Poland will host joint military exercises with French and British troops in the autumn.
- The exercises are intended to prepare for security guarantees for Ukraine and the region.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed pessimism regarding the prospects for peace in Ukraine, stating on Tuesday that a ceasefire or peace agreement is unlikely in the near future given Russia's rigid stance. He anticipates that Russia will aim to prolong the conflict at least until the winter.
Tusk made these remarks after discussing the situation with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. He indicated that an escalation of actions from Russia is expected.
In preparation for future security arrangements, Tusk announced that Poland will host military exercises with French and British troops in the autumn. These exercises are designed to prepare a coalition of willing nations for providing real security guarantees to Ukraine and the wider region once a peace agreement or ceasefire is eventually reached.