Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has firmly ruled out sending Polish troops to Ukraine, even if a ceasefire is reached, emphasizing that such decisions will remain strictly under Warsaw’s control.
Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron during a press conference in Warsaw on December 12, Tusk addressed speculation about Western military involvement in Ukraine post-ceasefire, making Poland’s position crystal clear.
“To cut off speculation about the potential presence of this or that country in Ukraine after reaching a ceasefire … decisions concerning Poland will be made in Warsaw and only in Warsaw,” Tusk stated. He added, “For now, we do not plan such actions.”
Tusk highlighted Poland’s substantial role in supporting Ukraine, noting the country has borne a significant burden in providing military and financial aid. Poland also serves as NATO’s frontline, protecting its border with Russia and Belarus.
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski reinforced this stance during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Berlin, emphasizing that Poland’s role lies in facilitating logistical operations for Ukraine rather than deploying troops. Similarly, President Andrzej Duda’s national security adviser, Jacek Siewiera, pointed out Poland’s limited resources and the potential geopolitical risks of stationing Polish forces in Ukraine. “Given the history of Polish-Ukrainian relations and Russia’s accusations that Poland wants to annex western Ukraine, such a move might not be appropriate,” Siewiera explained.
Poland’s position aligns more closely with Germany’s cautious approach rather than France’s. A German government source described the idea of deploying troops as premature, likening it to “doing the fifth step before the second.” Other nations, including the US, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Slovenia, Hungary, and Slovakia, have also ruled out sending troops.
Despite its refusal to commit troops, Poland remains one of Ukraine’s most steadfast allies. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Poland has provided billions of euros in military aid, hosted millions of Ukrainian refugees, and bolstered its own defense capabilities with advanced weaponry from the US and South Korea. This unwavering support underscores Poland’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty while carefully navigating its own security priorities.
