'Ukraine cannot be left alone' — Polish prime minister arrives in Kyiv as Russian strikes deepen energy crisis
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrived in Kyiv on Feb. 5 for an official visit, as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, Poland's government reported on X.
The prime minister's visit comes as Ukraine faces rolling blackouts following repeated Russian strikes on power facilities, prompting Kyiv to declare a state of emergency on Jan. 14.
"At this critical time, Ukraine cannot be left all alone," Tusk said ahead of the visit.
Tusk was met at Kyiv's central railway station by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and later held talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Ukrainian president said he discussed a wide range of issues with Tusk, including preparations for a Ukraine recovery conference set to be held in Poland later this year.
"We discussed today holding a conference on Ukraine's recovery — an event that I am confident will take place at a high level in Poland this year," Zelensky said. "We are preparing for it to be a very substantive conference."
Tusk also thanked Zelensky for his leadership and praised the courage of the Ukrainian people, saying that Poland's support for Ukraine is not only a moral obligation but also an investment in Poland's own security and defense.
Warsaw has played an important role in helping Ukraine weather Russia's campaign against civilian infrastructure. A volunteer fundraising platform in Poland has raised more than 9.7 million zloty (about $2.7 million) to purchase generators for Kyiv as conditions worsen.
Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Poland has been among Ukraine's strongest backers, providing military aid, hosting millions of Ukrainian refugees, and expanding its own defense spending to reinforce NATO's eastern flank.
"Poland is a leader in supporting Ukraine, including energy assistance," Sybiha said. "We value this solidarity and our strategic partnership. An important visit of a true friend."
Tusk has also argued for greater European responsibility in supporting Kyiv, while signaling concern about the marginalization of European partners in U.S.-led diplomacy.
His visit coincided with the second day of U.S., Russia, and Ukraine negotiations in Abu Dhabi.
