Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has pledged continued support for Ukraine after a telephone call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who warned that Russian strikes and other destabilising activities have increased significantly. The two leaders discussed Ukraine’s defence needs and coordination ahead of European Union meetings in Brussels, as Kyiv seeks stronger European backing against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Following their conversation on Sunday, 11 October, Tusk expressed confidence that Ukraine and its president would withstand Russian aggression.
“Nothing and no one will break Ukraine and its President in their fight against Russian aggression,” he wrote on X.
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Tusk said he had assured Zelenskyy that the Ukrainian people could count on the full solidarity of Poland and Europe.
The remarks were reported by TVP Info following the prime minister’s statement, as Poland prepared to host a major international security conference in Warsaw.
Ukraine’s presidential office subsequently released further details of the conversation, confirming that the leaders had discussed practical ways to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
Zelenskyy warns of increased Russian attacks
According to the official statement from Ukraine’s presidency, Zelenskyy thanked Tusk for his support and understanding of Ukraine’s security situation.
The Ukrainian president briefed his Polish counterpart on the country’s defence requirements and warned that Russian military pressure was intensifying.
He said Russian strikes and destabilising activities had increased significantly, making continued cooperation with European partners particularly important.
The two leaders discussed measures that could strengthen their countries’ security positions and Ukraine’s ability to resist further Russian aggression.
Zelenskyy described Poland’s position as strong and emphasised the importance of working together.
He also confirmed that Warsaw and Kyiv were coordinating their diplomatic activities ahead of forthcoming EU-level meetings in Brussels.
Neither government announced a new military assistance package or a specific agreement on weapons deliveries following Sunday’s conversation.
Poland and Ukraine coordinate ahead of EU summit
The discussions come just days before European leaders gather in Brussels for a summit on 15–16 October.
According to the European Council’s official agenda, the meeting will include continued support for Ukraine, Russia’s hybrid activities, European defence and the future of EU funding.
Leaders are also expected to examine Ukraine’s immediate needs, particularly the protection and operation of critical infrastructure ahead of winter.
The summit will provide an opportunity for Poland and other European governments to coordinate their positions on assistance to Kyiv and broader regional security.
Poland has been among Ukraine’s most important European partners since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Its geographical position makes it a major route for military and humanitarian assistance, while developments across the Ukrainian border have direct implications for Poland’s own security.
Sunday’s conversation was the second publicly confirmed telephone discussion between Tusk and Zelenskyy in less than a week.
During an earlier call on 5 October, the leaders discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defences, preparations for winter and possible diplomatic talks involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States.
They also agreed on the need for further discussions in person, although no specific meeting date was announced.
Warsaw prepares to host major security forum
The latest conversation also comes ahead of the Warsaw Security Forum, which begins on Monday, 12 October.
The two-day conference will bring together European political leaders, NATO representatives, military commanders and defence experts to discuss regional security, Russia’s war against Ukraine and Europe’s military preparedness.
This year’s gathering takes place under the theme United We Stand, reflecting the organisers’ emphasis on cooperation between European countries and transatlantic allies.
Among those scheduled to participate are NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska and General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
Tusk is also expected to address the conference, while Zelenskyy is scheduled to participate remotely.
The Warsaw Security Forum’s official programme confirms that the gathering will take place on 12–13 October, with European security and transatlantic cooperation central to its discussions.
The conference provides an additional platform for Poland to emphasise the importance of Ukraine’s defence to the security of Central and Eastern Europe.
Tusk reaffirms Poland’s commitment
For the Polish government, Sunday’s exchange reinforces its position that Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian aggression remains closely connected to European security.
Tusk’s declaration was primarily a political reassurance of continued solidarity, rather than the announcement of a new defence agreement.
For Zelenskyy, the conversation provided an opportunity to outline Ukraine’s immediate needs and coordinate diplomatic priorities before European leaders meet in Brussels.
Both leaders have emphasised the importance of collective action as Russia continues its military campaign.
The next test of that coordination will come during this week’s security discussions in Warsaw and the EU summit in Brussels, where European governments will consider further support for Ukraine.
