Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed confidence that the United States and the European Union are capable of enhancing their joint efforts to support Ukraine. He made this statement after the conclusion of the EU summit in Brussels, emphasizing the importance of unity among Western partners in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Western Unity and Prospects for Strengthening Sanctions
Tusk shared that he had a lengthy conversation with President Volodymyr Zelensky the day before, which took place after Zelensky’s meeting with former US President Donald Trump in The Hague. According to him, representatives of European countries have formed the impression that the chances for joint actions between Europe and the US regarding sanctions policy against Russia and support for Ukraine have become significantly more realistic.
“Yesterday (June 25 in The Hague – ed.) I had a long conversation with President Zelensky – right after his meeting with President Trump. And we all got the impression that the possibility of solidarity actions between Europe and the United States has again become more realistic when it comes to sanctions, policy towards Russia, and support for Ukraine,” Tusk noted.
Summarizing Poland’s presidency in the EU Council, the head of the Polish government shared his impressions of the current position of the American administration regarding the war in Ukraine. In his opinion, although this is not a final result, the very dynamics is a positive sign for European unity and support for Ukraine.
Sanctions Against Russia and the Positions of EU Countries
Tusk specifically noted that the leaders of EU countries agreed to extend the existing sanctions against the Russian Federation. At the same time, work on the 18th sanctions package is still ongoing, as political agreement on its implementation could not be reached during the summit. In particular, Slovakia is currently blocking its approval.
According to the Prime Minister, there are always certain concerns in the EU regarding unanimity on the issue of extending anti-Russian restrictions; however, it is possible to reach consensus, as happened this time. Ahead are further decisions regarding a new phase of sanctions pressure on Russia.
At the summit on June 26, EU leaders supported the continuation of the existing sanctions against Russia. However, the introduction of a new package is currently delayed due to Slovakia’s position.
Additionally, the summit participants agreed on a joint statement regarding Ukraine, which was supported by 26 leaders of countries. At the same time, Hungary refused to support the document, thereby blocking the formal opening of the first negotiation chapter regarding Ukraine’s accession to the EU, despite the recognized progress from Kyiv. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban explains his position by citing the state of war in Ukraine.