Tusk: Peace in Ukraine Unlikely in Near Future

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Tuesday that a peace agreement in Ukraine is unlikely in the near future. Citing intelligence assessments and Russian President Vladimir Putin's uncompromising stance, he said Moscow is expected to prolong the war at least until winter.

Tusk said he had discussed the situation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In response, the Polish prime minister announced that Poland will hold large-scale military exercises this fall with the participation of French and British forces. The drills are intended to prepare the so-called Coalition of the Willing for a potential future role in safeguarding Ukraine's sovereignty.

Tusk said the exercises are designed to ensure participating countries are ready to provide security guarantees once a peace agreement – or at least a lasting ceasefire – is reached.

(Reuters, Max)