Tusk: Poland Will Not Recognize EU Decisions on Russia Made Without Its Participation
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has stated that Warsaw will not consider binding any EU security decisions made without Poland’s involvement, especially regarding Russia. His stance was voiced at an EU summit in Brussels amid discussions on potential diplomatic contacts with Russia.
Poland will not recognize European Union decisions on security matters and relations with Russia if they are made without Warsaw’s participation, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced. He expressed this position at the EU leaders' summit in Brussels, as reported by Polish news site "Rmf24".
Tusk pointed out that the E3 format—comprising France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—is particularly problematic. If Paris and Berlin insisted on an exclusive role for this format in talks with Russia, Warsaw would not find such an approach acceptable. The Polish premier emphasized that decisions taken without Poland’s representation would not be binding.
The debate about diplomatic contacts with Russia was sparked by European Council President Antonio Costa’s attempt to open channels with Moscow. Several leaders criticized Costa for not informing all member states in advance. According to diplomatic sources, Poland, the Baltic states, and several Nordic countries warned against trusting the Kremlin.
Costa explained to leaders that he is not conducting substantive negotiations but merely maintaining communication channels to prepare the EU for possible peace talks. He also noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for the EU to become more actively involved in the peace process. However, most leaders ultimately supported keeping Costa’s coordinating role, stating that he represents all 27 member states and that Warsaw could back such a decision.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal told Politico that the EU cannot act as a mediator in Russia-Ukraine talks, as this would limit its ability to support Ukraine. He stressed that any diplomatic process must be led by Kyiv and that Russia still rejects realistic paths to peace.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said that now is not the right time for talks with Russia, as Moscow is unwilling to make concessions. He recalled that previous attempts to start negotiations with Putin have failed and called on the EU to maintain a unified stance.
