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Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared the Russia-Ukraine war "our fight" at the Warsaw Security Forum on Monday, as NATO allies announced plans for stronger sanctions against Russia and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed a joint aerial defense shield to counter Russian threats.
"This is our fight because the war in Ukraine is just one part of that terrible project that emerges in the world from time to time," Tusk said at the forum's opening.
"The goal of this political project is always the same: How can we enslave people, how can we take away individuals' freedoms?," he added.
Tusk emphasized that losing the war would affect future generations worldwide, stating that leaders' most important task is explaining to the entire Western and transatlantic community that the war continues.
"If we stand in solidarity, as today's meeting slogan says, we will not lose. Then Ukraine will win this war, we will protect Ukraine's independence, and protect the future of our next generations. I believe this wholeheartedly," Tusk said.
The Polish leader also referenced Moldova's recent elections, noting the population stood against Russia's attack and ruthless interference in the electoral process by believing in European solidarity.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul accused Russia of "dangerous provocations" against European allies, citing recent drone incursions into Poland and Estonian airspace violations as "a new wave of hybrid attacks" against NATO countries.
"These actions aren't coincidental, but part of a pattern targeting our airspace, critical infrastructure, and defense readiness," Wadephul said at a joint news conference with French, Polish, and Ukrainian counterparts.
"Russia is testing our resolve and attempting to sow unrest. This dangerous behavior requires a clear and unified response," he noted.
Wadephul stressed NATO's vigilance: "NATO is vigilant at all times, capable of action at all times, and protecting every inch of our alliance territory. No member state will be left alone to face these threats."
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced European partners would implement new "strong" sanctions against Russia in coordination with the Donald Trump administration in the United States.
The package, which Barrot called "strong sanctions," includes completely halting liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia by January 2027 and sanctions against major Russian oil companies, while also targeting Russian banking.
"Russia's recent provocations at European borders did not discourage Europeans but rather strengthened our determination," Barrot said, emphasizing EU readiness to defend "every square centimeter" of its territory.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had announced Sept. 19 that the EU was preparing to implement its 19th sanctions package against Russia, including an LNG import ban, banking transaction restrictions, and cryptocurrency sanctions. The package requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states.
Zelenskyy proposed building a joint aerial defense shield with allies, drawing on Ukraine's experience countering Russian threats.
"Ukraine proposes to Poland and all our partners to build a joint, fully reliable shield against Russian aerial threats," he said via video link.
"This is possible. Ukraine can counter all kinds of Russian drones and missiles, and if we act together in the region, we will have enough weapons and production capacity."
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius supported closer cooperation, stating "Europe's and Ukraine's defense industry must work together more closely and effectively," while warning that establishing a drone wall would not be quick, requiring "more capabilities and capacities than previously described."
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