Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia is actively preparing for further escalation, describing the next seven to eight months as critical for the security of Ukraine, Poland, and the wider region, Ukrinform reported.
Speaking on Friday, Aug. 28, at the Campus Poland of the Future event in Olsztyn, Tusk stated that Moscow’s recent signals indicate a heightened threat environment.
“It is known that Russia is preparing very seriously for an escalation of tension – both in the war with Ukraine and in the entire region – and that for Russia, this autumn and winter are to be key,” Tusk said.
Addressing recent diplomatic maneuvering, Tusk noted that Warsaw maintains constant contact with the CIA, meaning agency Director John Ratcliffe’s unannounced visit to Moscow did not come as a surprise to the Polish government.
While emphasizing that certain security intelligence must remain classified, the prime minister stressed that the public needs to be aware of the primary threats facing the region, which extend well beyond the scope of Ratcliffe’s trip.
Diplomatic ties and Independence Day greetings
Tusk’s stark security warning comes days after Polish and Ukrainian leaders exchanged public messages reaffirming their bilateral ties amid the ongoing war.
On Wednesday, Aug. 26, Ukrainian officials confirmed the receipt of an Independence Day letter from Polish President Karol Nawrocki to President Volodymyr Zelensky. In the letter, Nawrocki wished Ukraine victory in its existential struggle against Russia and the full restoration of its internationally recognized borders.
Marcin Przydacz, head of the International Policy Bureau of the Polish presidential office, confirmed the letter’s contents. He noted that while historical and political tensions remain between the two neighbors, Warsaw is committed to addressing them through dialogue while maintaining its strong support for Kyiv.
Zelensky later published the letter on social media, thanking Nawrocki and stating that Ukraine would “always remember Poland’s support.”
“We seek to develop ties between our two strong nations – with respect and truthfulness toward the past, a sober view of current threats and optimism regarding our common future in the EU and NATO,” Zelensky wrote.
The diplomatic exchange highlighted ongoing efforts by both nations to manage bilateral issues while coordinating their response to Russia’s full-scale invasion.