The Russians have a higher resolve to fight and make sacrifices, Donald Tusk has said
Russian forces have higher morale than Ukraine’s European backers, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said. He made the remarks during the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen on Thursday while discussing Western support for Ukraine.
“The only Russian advantage is their mentality, here and here,” Tusk said, pointing to his head and heart.
“I mean, they are ready to fight. They are ready to sacrifice. They are ready to suffer,” he added.
Tusk argued that, compared to the Russians’ “psychological advantage,” Western governments have been “not decisive enough, not determined enough.”
He warned that if Russia defeats Ukraine, it could later turn on Eastern Europe. “If they win against Ukraine, in the future it will be the end of my country and the end of Europe. I have no doubts [about it],” he said.
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club session in Sochi the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Moscow has no plans to attack NATO members, calling politicians who claim otherwise “incompetent” or intent on distracting voters from domestic issues.
Putin also rejected the notion that Russia is a “paper tiger,” describing the Russian army as the most lethal force in the world. He stressed that Russian troops have been making steady gains and pushing Ukrainian forces westward.
Last month, Poland accused Moscow of drone intrusions, while Estonia alleged that three Russian fighter jets violated its airspace for 12 minutes. Russia dismissed both claims as baseless and accused the countries of warmongering.
