Polish PM Tusk warns Russia is preparing for major escalation

Polish prime minister Donald Tusk has warned about Russia's upcoming major escalation against countries.

According to Tusk, Russia is actively preparing for further escalation, describing the next few months as critical for the security of Poland, Ukraine and the wider region.

Taking to X, Tusk highlighted NATO Secretary General Rutte's direct warnings on the Ukrainian front and called for stronger air support across Europe, tying it to Poland's own defenses.

He wrote, “Mark Rutte has just shared with me his assessment of the situation in the region and on the Ukrainian-Russian front. As I have been warning, the escalation from Russia's side is progressing.”

“Ukraine needs greater air support, which is also crucial for our security. This is a task for all of Europe. The next six months will be decisive, and we must be prepared as Poland and NATO for various scenarios.”

“We cannot rule out provocations from Russia against one of NATO's members,” he added.

The announcement comes after the US CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Moscow. His sudden trip to Russia sparks widespread speculations across the world. Some assumed that the US is trying to mediate between Russia and Ukraine.

Some US media reported that Ratcliffe had warned Russia against an attack on one of the NATO member states.

Speaking on Friday at the Campus Poland of the Future event in Olsztyn, Tusk reiterated, “It is known that Russia is preparing very seriously for an escalation of tension.”

The announcement comes as the ‌Russian defence ministry claimed on ​Saturday that Russian troops ​had gained the control over the ⁠village of Khrapivshchyna ​in Ukraine's Sumy ​region, and the villages of Novoandriivka and ​Rubizhne in ​the Donetsk region.