Zelenskyy meets Poland's Tusk in Lviv

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has received Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk in the Ukrainian city of Lviv. Tusk expressed his country’s unwavering support to Ukraine, as Warsaw gears up to take over the presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has reaffirmed Warsaw’s commitment to Ukraine’s support as it continues to fend off Russia’s invasion. The Polish premier made a surprise visit to the Ukrainian city of Lviv where he met President Zelenskyy.

Tusk gave Zelenskyy assurances that Poland is a partner Kyiv can rely on. “Our history is both complicated and beautiful. There have been many positive and negative aspects in our relations, but this is the history of nations that in the face of hardship, proved to understand the pivotal historical moment, marked by Russia’s invasion,” said Tusk in a joint press briefing following his meeting with the Ukrainian President.

Poland is set to hold the presidency of the European Union for six-months starting 1 January. Tusk says Poland will act on behalf of Ukraine’s aspirations to join the bloc “the Polish presidency also means speeding up and making accession talks more realistic.” He also stated that they will do what they can “to make the prospect of Ukraine’s NATO membership for Ukraine, increasingly real,” but acknowledged that it may take time and be faced with challenges.

Tusk also announced that a new border crossing will be opened soon with Ukraine, as well as a new military aid package for Kyiv.

Zelenskyy has expressed his gratitude to Poland for its support throughout almost three-years of war with Russia. The Ukrainian leader also expressed his country’s appreciation of Warsaw’s pledges to facilitate the prospects of NATO membership.

"I am grateful to Poland for supporting our desire to become a full member of NATO, to receive an invitation to the Alliance as soon as possible,” said Zelenskyy in a joint press briefing following the pair’s meeting.