War a real threat and Europe not ready, warns Poland's Tusk
Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk has strongly warned that Europe is on the brink of war, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat if Ukraine falls to Russia, stating that it would compromise everyone's safety in Europe.
He highlighted that the concept of war is a current reality, ignited over two years ago, underscoring recent Russian missile attacks on Ukraine, including targeting civilian infrastructure and the use of hypersonic missiles against Kyiv.
Tusk, advocating for a robust European defense, urged European nations to increase their military spending to at least 2% of GDP and stressed the importance of Europe being prepared to defend its security.
He dismissed the notion of Europe seeking military autonomy from the US, instead emphasizing mutual strength. Tusk’s comments follow heightened tensions with Russia and a strained relationship with the West, a situation worsened by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Furthermore, Tusk condemned Russia's justification for attacks on Ukraine and warned of the severe implications of continued warfare, suggesting the next two years could be pivotal.
Despite the gravity of his warnings, Tusk expressed hope in a growing European resolve to confront threats, citing improved recognition of security risks and increased military cooperation among European countries. He also addressed the critical need for military support for Ukraine, facing a dire situation against a better-equipped Russian military.
In a reflection on Europe's pre-war mindset, Tusk shared personal anecdotes to illustrate the immediacy of the threat and the importance of mental preparedness for a new era of conflict, urging a collective effort to bolster Europe’s defenses and support Ukraine amidst this crucial period.