“I know it sounds devastating, especially to of the younger generation, but we have to mentally get used to the arrival of a new era,” he said. “The pre-war era. I don’t exaggerate. This is becoming more and more apparent every day."
Amid Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which started in February 2022, Western allies and top military officials have become increasingly worried a potential spillover of violence — despite Russian President Vladimir Putin repeatedly denying any intentions to attack NATO.
Last week, a Russian missile entered Polish airspace, prompting Warsaw to activate F-16 fighter jets, in what Tusk called a “troubling incident.”
But while tumult is on the horizon, Tusk warned that Europe is not ready to face the threat.
“We must be ready. Europe still has a long way to go,” he said. The first step is for countries to meet NATO’s target of spending 2 percent of their GDP on defense, he added.
"Today we have to spend as much as we can to buy equipment and ammunition for Ukraine, because we are living in the most critical moment since the end of the Second World War," he said. "The next two years will decide everything. If we cannot support Ukraine with enough equipment and ammunition, if Ukraine loses, no one in Europe will be able to feel safe."
At the same time, Tusk welcomed the attitude adjustment that has prompted some European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, to ring the alarm bell more loudly.
“When I was prime minister for the first time [2007-2011], nobody except ... Baltic states paid any attention to my warnings that Russia could be a threat,” he said. “Now, without particular satisfaction, I observe the changes that are taking place in all capitals in Europe.”
With U.S. presidential elections coming up at the end of the year, European leaders have grown increasingly concerned over the likelihood of another Donald Trump presidency, fearful he would withdraw from NATO and obstruct further assistance to Kyiv. But to Tusk, Europe's role remains unchanged no matter who's next in the White House.
