Edith Hejberg
While stopping short of predicting peace, Polish Prime Minister Dnald TUsk said there are “many signals” suggesting the fighting could soon be frozen.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has hinted that the brutal war in Ukraine, now in its third year, may be approaching a temporary halt.
Poland Stays on High Alert
Despite his cautious optimism, Tusk made it clear Poland will not slow its military preparations. “We cannot afford to lose an hour of our military modernization plans,” he stressed, warning that any pause could be fragile and temporary.
The Mystery Signals Behind Tusk’s Remarks
Tusk did not reveal the exact nature of the signs he sees.
Analysts believe they may relate to Russia’s worsening economic situation and increasing pressure from its international allies to scale back the war.
EU Nations Brace for a Long Standoff
While there’s hope for a pause in fighting, many EU countries are taking no chances.
Governments across the bloc are boosting defense spending, anticipating that tensions with Moscow could last for years.
Massive Funding Requests from the SAFE Program
18 EU member states, including Latvia and Poland, have applied for loans from the European Security Action Fund (SAFE), a new €150 billion initiative designed to strengthen Europe’s defenses.
Poland Seeks the Largest Share
Poland has requested almost a third of the total SAFE funds, €45 billion to accelerate its arms procurement and military buildup in light of the ongoing Russian threat.
Cheaper Loans to Strengthen Europe’s Defense Industry
SAFE loans come with low interest rates and stipulations that most of the money be spent on weapons produced within the EU.
This approach is aimed at reinforcing the continent’s own arms industry.
EU United on Security Priorities
EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilis welcomed the overwhelming interest in SAFE, saying the €127 billion in initial requests shows the bloc’s strong unity in facing security and defense challenges.
NATO Pushes for Higher Defense Spending
At the NATO summit in The Hague in June, alliance members, under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, pledged to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP, a dramatic jump from the previous 2% target.
Deadlines and Expectations Moving Forward
SAFE applications remain open until November, and Brussels expects the total requested amount to climb further.
For now, the EU is moving swiftly to prepare for both a possible pause in Ukraine’s war, and the possibility it may reignite.
