Zelenskyy and Tusk meet in Brussels, discuss unspecified Polish aid for Kyiv air defense
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Brussels on October 15 on the sidelines of a European Council summit. Tusk publicly assured Ukraine that it is not alone and can count on him personally, on Poland, and on the EU, while Zelenskyy thanked Poland for political support, 20-millimeter air-defense ammunition, and undisclosed assistance that he said should remain between the two leaders.
Key points
- Zelenskyy and Tusk met in Brussels on October 15 on the sidelines of a European Council summit
- Tusk said Ukraine is not alone and can count on him personally, on Poland, and on the EU
- Tusk said anything that could help Putin and Russia in this war is unacceptable for Europe and Poland
- Zelenskyy thanked Poland for support in the political, geopolitical, and other matters
- Zelenskyy said Poland has provided a package of aid to defend against Russian attacks that includes non-public elements intended to help protect Kyiv
- Zelenskyy thanked Poland for 20-millimeter air-defense ammunition and said Ukraine is asking various European countries for similar support
- Zelenskyy said 52 people were wounded that day from Russian strikes that hit a store, a pharmaceutical plant, and logistics facilities
Why it matters
The meeting signals a potential warming of Ukrainian-Polish relations after a period of strain over historical disputes and the revocation of a Polish state honor from Zelenskyy. It showcases specific Polish military backing, including 20-millimeter air-defense ammunition, alongside undisclosed aid that Zelenskyy said is meant to protect Kyiv. Tusk's public assurances and his rejection of any weakening of EU sanctions tie the bilateral relationship to the broader European response to Russia. The talks took place against a backdrop of intensified Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, underscoring the practical defensive urgency behind the assistance discussed.
What happened
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met in Brussels on October 15 on the sidelines of a European Council summit. Tusk publicly assured Ukraine that it is not alone and can count on him personally, on Poland, and on the EU, and said that after his talks with European leaders it was absolutely clear that anything that could help Putin and Russia in this war is unacceptable for Europe and Poland. He added that there is no reason for the EU to weaken sanctions against Russia or to allow financing of Russia's war machine, and expressed condolences to Ukraine over the mass civilian deaths caused by Russian attacks. Zelenskyy thanked Poland for political and other backing and acknowledged 20-millimeter air-defense ammunition and additional support from Warsaw, saying Ukraine is currently asking various European countries for similar assistance. He also hinted at a non-public element to Polish aid meant to help defend Kyiv, quoting himself as telling Tusk: "What you have done... Well, sometimes it has to remain between the two of us." The two leaders discussed in detail existing threats and steps to strengthen Ukraine's defense against Russian strikes. Zelenskyy noted that Russians are constantly using Shaheds and that 52 people were wounded that day from strikes that hit a store, a pharmaceutical plant, and logistics facilities. In Brussels, Zelenskyy also met NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy sector and new air-defense packages.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian coverage centers on Zelenskyy's gratitude and on hints of undisclosed Polish help specifically tied to defending Kyiv against Russian strikes. The framing emphasizes Zelenskyy's remark that some Polish assistance must remain between the two leaders, presenting the relationship as an intimate, trust-based partnership. Articles also highlight Tusk's assurances that Ukraine is not alone and link the meeting to broader Polish security measures, such as the transfer of Patriot missiles and changes to Poland's air-defense procedures.
Background
Polish-Ukrainian relations had been strained by historical disputes, including differing assessments of the UPA's activities and the Volhynia tragedy. Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked the Order of the White Eagle awarded to Zelenskyy, who returned the decoration by mail; afterward, Zelenskyy initially avoided Polish airports for foreign trips. On October 14, traveling to London, Zelenskyy used the Polish airport in Rzeszów for the first time since June, an early indication of improved relations. Some Polish politicians from Law and Justice, including Jarosław Kaczyński and former defense minister Mariusz Błaszczak, have threatened to block Ukraine's EU accession. Polish authorities have stressed that historical differences should not obstruct defense support, citing Poland's own security interest in Ukraine's ability to resist Russia. Poland has decided to transfer a batch of Patriot missiles to Ukraine and, since October 1, changed its air-defense procedures in response to Russian airstrikes, and is increasing its military presence in the Lublin Voivodeship bordering Ukraine. In Brussels, Zelenskyy also met NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy sector and new air-defense packages.