Polish Prime Minister Warns of “Pre-War Era” in Europe
WARSAW — In a stark and urgent message, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared that Europe is currently facing a “pre-war era” and that the safety of all Europeans is at risk if Ukraine falls to Russia.
“I don’t want to alarm anyone, but the reality of war is upon us,” he stated in an interview with European media. “This conflict began over two years ago and it is very much real.”
His warning comes as Russia continues to unleash a fresh wave of missiles on Ukraine, escalating the violence in the region.
Amid the ongoing attacks, Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down 58 drones and 26 missiles, while Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted significant damage to energy infrastructure in multiple regions across the country.
Tusk, a former European Council president, criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for baselessly accusing Ukraine of a terrorist attack and escalating violent attacks on civilian targets.
He highlighted Russia’s recent use of hypersonic missiles in an attack on Kyiv as a dangerous escalation of the conflict.
Calling for increased defense measures, Tusk emphasized the need for Europe to bolster its military capabilities and reduce reliance on the United States.
He urged European countries to allocate at least 2% of their GDP to defense spending, with the European Union as a whole prepared to defend its security.
As tensions with Russia continue to rise, Tusk warned that Europe is facing its most critical moment since World War II, with the possibility of any scenario unfolding.
Despite the grim outlook, Tusk expressed optimism about a shift in mentality across Europe towards recognizing the threat posed by Russia and the importance of security cooperation among European nations.
He highlighted alliances like the Weimar Triangle between Poland, France, and Germany, as well as the decisions of Sweden and Finland to join NATO in response to the evolving security landscape.
As Europe grapples with the looming specter of conflict, Tusk’s message serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in the region.
