Donald Tusk Responds to Reports on Zelensky’s Flight Route
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has addressed speculation surrounding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s altered travel route to the United Kingdom, which went through Chișinău. Tusk dismissed claims that the Rzeszów airport in Poland had been shut down for Zelensky, clarifying that the Ukrainian leader simply “uses other options besides Rzeszów, that’s all. I will not tell him where or how he should fly.”
Poland’s Role in International Talks
Beyond the flight controversy, Tusk emphasized that Poland must be included in discussions about Ukraine’s future, stating:
“Poland is an absolutely irreplaceable link.”He also announced preparations for an upcoming meeting involving Poland and Italy, which is expected to lead to a five-party negotiation format in the coming days.
Notably, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been critical of the E3 format—comprising the UK, France, and Germany. Tusk further confirmed that President Zelensky is scheduled to attend the International Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine, set for June 25–26 in Gdańsk.
“So I am not waiting for any confirmation here. We will, quite obviously, welcome in Gdańsk those who come: companies, businesses. This is in the interest of both Ukraine and Poland,”Tusk remarked.
Separately, Polish President Karol Nawrocki withdrew a proposal to strip Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle. Former Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz suggested that Warsaw has stepped back from the confrontation.
Tusk’s comments underscore Poland’s central role in international diplomacy regarding Ukraine, especially amid criticism of the E3 format, which includes major Western European powers. The planned meetings with Italy and Zelensky’s participation in the Gdańsk conference signal a push for renewed diplomatic efforts to support Ukraine. The withdrawal of the order-revocation initiative also reflects Warsaw’s intent to maintain a strong partnership with Kyiv during a challenging period. This reinforces Poland’s ongoing position as a key player in backing Ukraine on the global stage.
In light of Tusk's assertion of Poland's essential role in Ukraine's diplomatic landscape, it is important to consider his recent criticism regarding the lack of invitation to the E3 summit. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions and the need for inclusivity in discussions involving Ukraine's future. For further insights into Tusk's stance and its implications, see more about his remarks on the E3 summit invitation.