WARSAW

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, calling him "a hero not only in Ukraine, but also in Poland," and hailing the European Union's decision to lend Ukraine €90 billion ($105 billion) over two years.

Tusk said in a joint press conference with Zelenskyy following their talks at the Prime Minister's Office in Warsaw: "Dear friend, at 3 am in Brussels, we made a decision on a €90 billion loan for Ukraine."

"The aggressor must pay for everything, including losses and destruction. That is why Russian assets have been permanently frozen," he said, referring to an earlier meeting of EU leaders in Brussels on Friday in which they agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan. Ukraine will repay the loan only after receiving reparations from Russia.

He said the agreement strengthened Ukraine’s position in its war with Russia.

Referring to a past remark by Zelenskyy that he does not “play cards” in diplomacy, Tusk added, “I know you’re not playing cards, but you certainly hold stronger cards now—also with us.”

While acknowledging that EU action could always be “more effective,” the Polish premier said he is satisfied that leaders have delivered on their commitments. “At least we have done what we promised,” he said.

Zelenskyy, for his part, welcomed the EU decision, expressed gratitude to EU leaders and defined the move as “significant support that truly strengthens our resilience.”

“Russia tried very hard to block this and delay it,” the Ukrainian president said. “Our soldiers and civilians are extremely grateful. Europe has shown leadership, and such decisiveness is crucial.”

He thanked Poland for its continued backing, describing Warsaw’s stance as consistent and unwavering. “Thank you for supporting us… Poland has supported us from the very beginning of the war,” he said. “We count on this support and are grateful for our unity.”

Earlier on Friday, Zelenskyy met with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, marking the first direct meeting between the two leaders.

The visit was notable for the unusually coordinated tone of Poland’s foreign policy, despite long-standing differences between Nawrocki and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski—and, more broadly, between the presidency and the government—particularly on Poland’s relations with the EU and the US.

Despite these divisions, Warsaw has presented a largely unified position on support for Ukraine, underscoring the strategic priority attached to Kyiv amid the ongoing war with Russia.

Responding to questions about bilateral tensions, Tusk emphasized the need for mutual understanding despite historical and political differences.

“Your fight is our common fight—for Europe, for Poland, and for Ukraine,” he said, praising Zelenskyy’s leadership during the war. “I greatly appreciate your personal efforts. You are a hero not only in Ukraine but also in Poland.”

Criticism in Ukraine over Zelenskyy's visit

Despite the positive tone of the Warsaw meetings, Zelenskyy’s visit has also drawn criticism in Ukraine, reflecting ongoing sensitivities in bilateral relations.

Solomiya Bobrovskaya, an MP from the Ukrainian Voice party and a member of the parliamentary committee on national security and defense, wrote in a post on Facebook that the meeting between Zelenskyy and Nawrocki could shape bilateral relations in the coming years and accused the Polish president of “doing everything possible to ensure the meeting takes place in an atmosphere of maximum tension,” citing legislative initiatives affecting Ukrainian citizens in Poland, including changes to social benefits.

She also criticized remarks suggesting that Ukraine has treated Poland as a “junior partner” or made diplomatic missteps.

“These are not attempts to build constructive dialogue, but efforts aimed at gaining sympathy among domestic voters,” she wrote, describing some Polish actions as “provocative and openly hostile.”

At the same time, Bobrovskaya said Ukrainian diplomats may be reluctant to respond forcefully due to concerns over maintaining the transit of military equipment and aid through Polish territory.

She concluded that “good neighborliness with Poles” remains the only viable path forward and expressed hope that the talks would address not only difficult historical issues but also “our shared European future.”