Poland's PM Tusk to visit Ukraine, meet Slovak PM Fico

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced he would visit Ukraine on September 18, where he plans to meet with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. During a joint news conference in Warsaw with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, Tusk mentioned that Poland would continue supporting increased sanctions pressure on Russia. Tusk stated that EU member states are currently discussing the upcoming sanctions package and that Poland would participate constructively in the sanctions policy and support Ukraine.

Tusk expressed surprise at France's position on the sanctions package and hoped to learn from President Macron why protecting one person's interests is a priority for France. Tusk emphasized that Poland will not rely on assumptions that Russia will change its behavior, stressing the importance of basing the approach on facts and Russia's actions.

A Russian drone reportedly struck near Ukraine's border with Poland in Volyn Oblast on September 17.