Tusk, Fico to discuss Russia sanctions at Carpathian summit in Ukraine

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico are expected to discuss further sanctions against Russia during the “Carpathian Integration Initiative” summit in Bukovel, western Ukraine, which runs through September 20.

Tusk and Fico had previously announced plans to attend the gathering, which comes as Ukraine and its European partners continue discussions on regional cooperation and measures related to Russia’s war against Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Tusk said he would also discuss with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ways to defend against new types of drones, as well as further sanctions against Russia with European partners, including Slovakia.

Speaking before his visit, Tusk said Russia was not ready for peace talks “without the total capitulation of Ukraine.” He warned that Ukraine could face an intense winter, with Russia expected to continue attacks on major cities and energy and logistics infrastructure.

“Russia’s goal is to destroy as much as possible the economy and logistics of Ukraine,” Tusk said, adding that intelligence indicated attacks of “very high frequency and intensity” could be expected in the near future.

Fico, who has maintained relations with Moscow while criticising EU and NATO support for Ukraine, also confirmed that he would travel to Kyiv. He has warned that Europe is closer than ever to a large-scale war and said political efforts should focus on achieving peace.

The summit comes amid heightened security concerns following recent Russian drone activity near Ukraine’s western border. Poland temporarily suspended operations at airports in Lublin and Rzeszow on September 17 as its air force responded to a drone approaching Polish airspace.

Meanwhile, Russian missile and drone strikes injured at least 19 people in Kyiv and the surrounding region on September 17, Ukrainian authorities said.

By Sabina Mammadli