Von der Leyen and Tusk on the border with Belarus: what the leaders agreed on regarding defense.

According to FREEДOM:

Defense Talks at the Border

On August 31, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss security at the Polish-Belarusian border. The focus was on the need to strengthen the eastern borders of the European Union, as reported by the Polish government, according to FREEДОМ.

EU Border Security

Poland and Belarus are separated by a five-meter barrier equipped with thousands of cameras and modern technologies designed to prevent illegal border crossings. Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of protecting the EU's shared borders in light of increasing hybrid threats from Russia.

“We understand that we need to be strong in defense here, that we need to invest in protecting our borders, as well as in military potential and well-equipped, well-trained armed forces. The same applies to security guarantees for Ukraine. The first line of defense is a strong Ukrainian army. I often compare it to a steel porcupine that potential invaders will not be able to engulf. The second line of defense is a multinational group, a coalition of volunteers, supported by Americans. And the third, most important line of defense is, of course, our own defense position,” said the President of the European Commission.

The Importance of Resolve

In response, Tusk stressed that concessions to Putin or any games with him would not lead to the end of the war unleashed by Russia.

“The last weeks and days have very clearly shown that no concessions, no subtle games with Putin and aggressive Russia lead to success and do not guarantee our security. Poland, Europe, NATO, and the United States must once again, as we did 45 years ago when we received the support of the entire West at the moment of forming 'Solidarity', be very firm, resolute, and united in the face of this latest version of the empire of evil. Enough about concessions,” emphasized the Prime Minister of Poland.

It was previously reported that the issue of protecting the eastern border of the EU and security guarantees for Ukraine would be discussed by Tusk and von der Leyen. This meeting highlights the importance of joint efforts by EU countries in ensuring stability and security in the region, especially in light of the existing threat from Russia. Cooperation between Poland and the EU continues to be a key factor in strengthening defense capabilities in eastern Europe.