Speaking at a gathering of his governing centrist Civic Coalition (KO) in Warsaw, Tusk said the world was undergoing profound change marked by wars, shifting geopolitical dynamics and rising global tensions.
“Let’s call things by their name: the world we have known for decades is falling apart before our eyes,” Tusk said, adding that politics in Poland, Europe and beyond had taken on a “make-or-break dimension.”
Donald Tusk: świat, który znaliśmy przez dekady, rozsypuje się na naszych oczach#PAPInformacjehttps://t.co/fADPUDQpJs
— Polska Agencja Prasowa/Polish Press Agency (PAP) (@PAPinformacje) April 11, 2026
He told party members that Poland faces a crucial period ahead of elections next year and said he was confident in his ability to guide the country through what he described as turbulent times.
“We must eliminate everything that reeks of betrayal—everything that constitutes collaboration with those who threaten Poland’s independence and Europe’s unity,” Tusk said.
The prime minister accused Russia of pursuing a strategy to weaken the European Union, sow divisions between European countries and undermine democratic institutions.
He outlined what he described as a “five-point plan” by Russian President Vladimir Putin, including efforts to pit Poland against Ukraine, fuel tensions with Germany, derail defence initiatives and erode democratic systems.
Tusk argued that similar actions could be observed within Poland’s domestic politics, drawing parallels between Moscow’s strategy and the policies of the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party and its leader, Jarosław Kaczyński.
“I don’t need to convince anyone that we see actors of this scenario in Poland every day,” he said, adding that such actions amounted to “a betrayal of national interests.”
“Piątka Putina” to “Piątka Kaczyńskiego”. pic.twitter.com/KA5iwfcC8d
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) April 11, 2026
He also warned that Russia seeks to weaken NATO and said it is in Poland’s and the West’s interests to maintain a strong transatlantic alliance.
“Poland is a reliable and committed NATO ally, especially for the United States,” Tusk said. “Our role is to speak honestly—not flatter, but engage in serious and open dialogue.”
Tusk said Poland is “predestined” to strengthen ties between Europe and the United States, particularly in the face of the Russian threat.
He also referred to Sunday’s parliamentary election in Hungary, expressing hope that the opposition there would defeat Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s pro-Kremlin government, “in the same way” that the Eurosceptic PiS party lost power in Poland in 2023.
“Poland should remain open to cooperation with democratic partners,” Tusk said, adding that “unity among pro-democratic forces” is key to countering political threats in Europe.
He urged his supporters to prepare for a challenging electoral contest, saying the 2027 parliamentary vote would determine Poland’s “independence, security and position in Europe.”
Tusk also raised concerns about the cryptocurrency sector, suggesting that “some entities linked to it” could serve as channels for Russian funding of political activities in Poland.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP