Donald Tusk arrived in Ukraine on 18 September 2026 for the first summit of Carpathian 8 and a gathering with Volodymyr Zelenski. The talks included security, energy, logistics and Polish participation in the anti-balistic coalition. For Poland, this means a fresh regional format, but besides an work to defender your own safety and conditions of cooperation.
First highest of Carpathian Eight
Prime Minister Donald Tusk took part in the first summit of Carpathian Eight, organized on 18 September in the Ivanofranki region of Ukraine. The fresh C8 format focuses Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary. The European Union is besides involved.
Volodymyr Zelenski presented the initiative as a platform for cooperation in the fields of security, energy, logistics, cross-border economy and improvement of local communities. Among others, the summit was attended by Serbia's president Alexandar Vučić and Romania's president Nicușor Dan. The previously announced Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico cancelled his arrival due to illness.
Tusk said before the talks began that Poland, Ukraine and the another countries of the region await dense weeks and months. He presented his presence as an expression of solidarity with a state that resists Russian aggression. The Prime Minister's departure was announced after Russian attacks close the Polish border, which gave the gathering a clear safety dimension.
Anti-Balistic Coalition and Polish Interest
One of the main points of the conversation between Tusk and Zelenski was Poland's participation in the anti-balistic coalition. The Prime Minister announced a longer gathering in private, besides devoted to bilateral relations. Poland declares to enter this formatBut the declaration itself is not enough. Clear rules of command, financing, data exchange and protection of Polish airspace are needed.
The Chancellery of the Prime Minister stated the day before that according to intelligence assessments late autumn and winter could be the most hard part of the war. Government message warned before the anticipation of Russian hybrid strikes utilizing drones and rockets besides against countries supporting Ukraine, including Poland. It's a threat assessment, not a definite attack. However, the state must prepare for a hard and not convenient option.
The defence of Ukraine is in the Polish interest, due to the fact that it keeps Russian imperialism further from our borders. This fact does not mean agreeing to unconditional obligations or giving decisions about Polish external forces to the centres. all common defence mechanics is intended to strengthen the capabilities of the Republic of Poland, the Polish arms manufacture and real civilian protection.
Regional format without illusions
Carpathian 8 can facilitate the construction of transport axes, energy connections and economical cooperation in Central Europe. Poland should usage this format to strengthen its own position alternatively than to passively execute decisions of the largest capitals of the Union. The region has common problems, but its countries disagree in their approach to Russia, sanctions and support for Kiev.
The presence of Hungary and Slovakia in C8 will test the practicality of the full initiative. The name of the fresh format will not replace compliance in strategical matters. Without concrete projects, deadlines and money Karpack 8 will stay diplomatic photography. With a circumstantial programme, it can strengthen the countries located between Germany and Russia and give them more subjectivity.
Poland is expected to bring its own conditions to the talks: precedence of protection of the Polish territory, participation of national companies in defence contracts, safety of border infrastructure and transparent distribution of costs. Warnings From Russian Pressure must lead to the acquisition of equipment, the expansion of shelters and an efficient alarm system. They don't halt drones alone.
Solidarity requires reciprocity
Polish support for independent Ukraine has a strategical basis. Russia is conducting a war, which besides affects Poland's safety and economy. However, Warsaw must not quit talking about its own interests, economical reciprocity and hard historical issues. An alliance matures erstwhile both sides can call differences without breaking up a common front against an aggressor.
Tusk's visit brought an crucial political signal, but Poles will account for the government's effects. Border security, energy resilience and the ability to defend your own sky are at stake. The Carpathian 8 will be useful only if it translates solidarity into measurable benefits for the Republic.
Source: Interia Events, Law Firm of the Prime Minister, Associated Press.
Source: Interia Events
