Ukraine peace talks may begin this winter, Polish PM says
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Polish PM Tusk outlined a series of crucial meetings with foreign leaders aimed at advancing peace efforts.
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Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk speaks during a news conference after talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in the Serbia Palace in Belgrade, Serbia, Thursday, October 24, 2024. (AP)
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Tuesday that peace negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine could potentially begin this winter.
Speaking ahead of Poland's upcoming EU presidency, Tusk pointed to his country's central role in fostering international dialogue and supporting Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
"Our presidency will notably be co-responsible for shaping the political landscape during the negotiations, which could begin—though there are still uncertainties—this winter," Tusk told reporters in Warsaw.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagements
Tusk outlined a series of crucial meetings with foreign leaders aimed at advancing peace efforts.
He confirmed discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later on Tuesday and revealed that French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Poland on Thursday to share insights from recent talks in Paris involving Zelensky and US President-elect Donald Trump.
Tusk described the Paris meeting as "short but important," noting its specific role in paving the way for future negotiations.
He also announced plans to host German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, who leads opinion polls ahead of Germany's February elections, following Merz's visit to Kiev.
Poland as a Regional Leader
Since the start of the war nearly three years ago, Poland has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine, serving as a critical logistics hub for Western military aid to Kiev.
Tusk said he was "in constant contact" with Scandinavian and Baltic allies, "who see in Poland and Poland's (EU) presidency a leader" in peace-building efforts.
"I spoke with the Swedish prime minister, and in a dozen hours the Estonian prime minister will be here in Warsaw," Tusk added.
Challenges Ahead
While Tusk expressed optimism about potential peace talks, he acknowledged lingering uncertainties about the timing and conditions of negotiations.
Nonetheless, he reaffirmed Poland's commitment to playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of European diplomacy and ensuring support for Ukraine.
Read more: US boosts missile aid to Ukraine with $3.26 billion for patriot MSE
On December 8, President-elect Donald Trump called for an immediate ceasefire and the initiation of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. He suggested a potential reduction in military aid to Ukraine and raised the possibility of the US withdrawing from NATO if allies do not meet financial obligations.
"Zelensky and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness," Trump wrote on social media.
The following day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed openness to a diplomatic resolution, considering the deployment of European peacekeepers as a temporary measure until Ukraine secures NATO membership.
"I'm telling you frankly — we can work on Emmanuel's proposal. He proposed that troops of this or that country could be present on Ukrainian territory to guarantee security while Ukraine is not in NATO," Zelensky said Monday after meeting with German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, according to the Kiev Independent.
