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Tusk to tell leaders that more European troops needed near Russia
Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister of Poland, will tell fellow leaders in London that more European troops need to be stationed in countries bordering Russia.
Before flying to the UK, Mr Tusk said Europe had to achieve military and “defence independence” from the US and start “believing we are a global power.”
He said he would “loudly demand that all European countries think about how to strengthen our flank, and that European troops should be much more present in Finland, the Baltic states and on our border with Russia and Belarus”.
“In the Ukrainian-Russian war, Poland stands on Ukraine’s side – no ifs, ands or buts – not only because human decency requires it, but also for our security,” Mr Tusk told reporters in Poland.
Poland, which will spend 4.7 per cent of GDP on defence this year, has been one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters.
Mr Tusk said it also wanted strong transatlantic relations and the “closest possible alliance” between Europe and the US.
“We support Ukraine and we strengthen our alliance with the United States – no matter how difficult the circumstances are,” he said.
“We also know that Poland must buy an additional insurance policy. This means European armaments, the military and defence independence of Europe. Independence – not isolation.”
Mr Tusk said that, with Ukraine, Europe had 2.6m soldiers compared to 1.3m US soldiers and 1.1m in Russia. It also had more fighter jets.
“Today in Europe we have a deficit of imagination and courage. Europe must understand its strength,” he said. A strong Europe, confident in its strength, well prepared to defend its borders, is a Europe that can guarantee peace.”
Russian AFV supplies running low? Maybe now is not the time to push for a peace deal?
Russian AFV supplies running low? Maybe now is not the time to push for a peace deal?
1. To keep military aid flowing into Ukraine,
Not much help if it's just a continuation of allowing Russia to slowly win.
2. To have Kyiv at the table for any peace talks,
Statement of obvious.
3. For European leaders to to aim to deter any future Russian invasion of Ukraine and;
Security guarantees. Worth about as much as past security guarantees.
Indeed. Interesting to see who mates up to the coalition.4. A "coalition of the willing" will be formed to defend Ukraine and guarantee peace there.
The only remarkable point on the list. Summer campaigning season is fast approaching. I'm very interested to see what they put up.
No agreement signed by Putin and Trump without boots on the ground from ALL Nato countries and a commitment to initiate Article 5 if Russia so much as sends a reconnaissance drone over the border is worth any more than the paper its printed on. I also haven't heard anyone demanding that the children that have been kidnapped be sent home which should be one of the minimum concessionsTRussia’s gaining a bit of ground but at a gradually reducing rate of gain, and yet it can’t even take back its own land in Kursk…most assessments note that Russia is rapidly approaching a societal and economic tipping point…we’ll see I guess while this variant of ‘peace’ is noodled by the various players.
Wasn’t so obvious when Trump said MBS was hosting him and Vlad, without Zelenskyy.
So what would make any security guarantee by joint American and Russian agreement any more worthy than European guarantees.
Indeed. Interesting to see who mates up to the coalition.
That would require Russia to admit it has taken those children and he won’t do that.No agreement signed by Putin and Trump without boots on the ground from ALL Nato countries and a commitment to initiate Article 5 if Russia so much as sends a reconnaissance drone over the border is worth any more than the paper its printed on. I also haven't heard anyone demanding that the children that have been kidnapped be sent home which should be one of the minimum concessions
This idea has ways seemed silly to me. "We won't let them in NATO, with the exception that we will treat them as a NATO member for the purposed of Article 5, arguably the most important article I the NATO constitution." if Russia won't accept Ukraine in NATO, why would they accept such an arrangement? It's tantamount to being the same thing.No agreement signed by Putin and Trump without boots on the ground from ALL Nato countries and a commitment to initiate Article 5 if Russia so much as sends a reconnaissance drone over the border is worth any more than the paper its printed on. I also haven't heard anyone demanding that the children that have been kidnapped be sent home which should be one of the minimum concessions
I wonder if we are going to see more and more NK equipment in Russia or Chinese if there is no ceasefire. It seems clear that refurbishment and stocks can not keep up with losses. Will these countries be willing to throw away their inventory on this war? Perhaps Europe wishes to run down Russian war stocks to nothing?
This idea has ways seemed silly to me. "We won't let them in NATO, with the exception that we will treat them as a NATO member for the purposed of Article 5, arguably the most important article I the NATO constitution." if Russia won't accept Ukraine in NATO, why would they accept such an arrangement? It's tantamount to being the same thing.
Even though I wrote it I agree with your comments which is why a just settlement short of total victory is not attainable. Russia is already saying they won't accept European piecekeepers at all so unless that changes the gathering of the willing is a non-starter. If they change and say they will accept European piecekeepers and those soldiers don't have the backing of their respective nations should Russia start hostilities again (including the little grey men) we will end up with a lot of body bags. A solution is just not in the cards.This idea has ways seemed silly to me. "We won't let them in NATO, with the exception that we will treat them as a NATO member for the purposed of Article 5, arguably the most important article I the NATO constitution." if Russia won't accept Ukraine in NATO, why would they accept such an arrangement? It's tantamount to being the same thing.
Russia wants a negotiated solution based on a fait accomplit. The Europe could choose to move forces into Ukrainian flanks and rear areas to free Ukrainian forces up and to deliver more local training as Ukrainian units rotate to the deep rear. That could itself be then presented as a fait accomplit in subsequent rounds of negotiations.Even though I wrote it I agree with your comments which is why a just settlement short of total victory is not attainable. Russia is already saying they won't accept European piecekeepers at all so unless that changes the gathering of the willing is a non-starter. If they change and say they will accept European piecekeepers and those soldiers don't have the backing of their respective nations should Russia start hostilities again (including the little grey men) we will end up with a lot of body bags. A solution is just not in the cards.