What are the results of the meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Tusk in Lviv?

The meeting was not previously advertised in the media and took place in a rather constructive atmosphere. What conclusions can be drawn?

Firstly, Poland will act as an active ally of Ukraine on international platforms. Official Warsaw supports V. Zelensky’s Victory Plan, advocates for Ukraine’s invitation to NATO and will criticize any peace initiatives based on the “surrender” of Ukrainian national interests. The Polish side will help expand the pro-Ukrainian coalition within Europe, ensuring its solidity in cooperation with the Baltic countries, France and the Scandinavian countries.

Secondly, Poland does not have sufficient technical capabilities to send a significant amount of heavy equipment and weapons, as was the case at the beginning of a full-scale invasion. It is worth expecting a resolution of the issue of the transfer of 12-15 MiG aircraft when the Polish Government reaches agreements on the purchase of a replacement for these fighters in the form of a modification of the American F-15 aircraft. We can expect a positive decision, which still requires time.

Thirdly, despite political support and diplomatic efforts, Poland will not join real discussions on the deployment of a European military contingent in Ukraine. For many reasons, one of them is the reluctance to give reasons for criticism to opposition political circles during the 2025 presidential election campaign.

Fourthly, there are prerequisites for the opening of two negotiation clusters on Ukraine’s accession to the EU during the Polish presidency in the next 6 months. There are certain nuances in the common market and it will be necessary to show a flexible position on issues of the agricultural sector, but the prerequisites for a compromise are noticeable.

Fifth, Poland highly appreciated the Ukrainian initiative to lift restrictions on the exhumation of the victims of the Volyn tragedy. If the Ukrainian side ensures the implementation of the joint declaration of the heads of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, we can expect a constructive position from Poland on any other issues.

Overall, the meeting was quite constructive. Against the background of previous contradictions, Ukraine and Poland have the opportunity to build strategic and predictable relations that will be beneficial for both countries. Now it is necessary to effectively demonstrate intentions in practice.