Tusk: Peace in Ukraine unlikely soon, expects war to continue until winter

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed skepticism about an imminent peace deal in Ukraine, telling reporters in Paris that a ceasefire or peace agreement appears unlikely in the near future due to Russia's firm position. He anticipates that Russia will prolong the conflict at least until winter.

Tusk's remarks followed discussions on the Ukraine situation with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He noted that all parties currently expect an escalation of Russian actions.

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In this moment, it seems unlikely that a ceasefire or peace agreement will be reached in the near future, given the rigid stance of Russia and (President Vladimir) Putin.

To bolster regional security, Poland is set to host military exercises with French and British troops in the autumn. Tusk described these drills as preparation for a coalition to provide "real security guarantees" for Ukraine and the surrounding region, following any future peace agreement or ceasefire. He made these comments while attending Bastille Day celebrations in Paris.

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This will be exercises that prepare the entire coalition (of the willing) gathered today in Paris for such real security guarantees for Ukraine, but also for the region.