Tusk: 500 million Europeans ask 300 million Americans to protect them from 140 million Russians

European countries have enormous potential, but due to disunity, they rely on the United States rather than their own strength. Therefore, Europe should step up and make efforts to ensure peace not through Ukraine's surrender, but through its defense capabilities.

This was stated by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk before departing for London on Sunday for an informal meeting of European leaders. Ukrinform reports that Warsaw assured of solidarity with Kyiv, but at the same time will strengthen relations with Washington.

"This is a paradox, listen to how it sounds: 500 million Europeans are asking 300 million Americans to protect them from 140 million Russians. If you can do math, then count on yourself," Tusk said.

He spoke of a "lack of imagination and courage" because the armies of European countries (including Ukraine) are 2.6 million, the United States - 1.3 million, China - 2 million, and Russia - 1.1 million soldiers.

The situation is the same with fighter jets: Europe, together with Ukraine, has 2091, the United States has 1456, China has 1409, and Russia has 1224.

As for artillery systems, Europe, along with Ukraine, has 14,400, America has 5,000, China has 9,500, and Russia has 5,157.

"There is nothing to compare here. As I said: the deficit is the inability to understand that Europe has the potential to be a huge power," the head of the Polish government is sure.

He emphasized that "a well-armed, strong Europe can guarantee peace not through Ukraine's surrender, but through its own joint strength."

Poland's main message before the summit in London is that "Poland is on the side of Ukraine without any "buts". This, in particular, is required by the Polish national interest.

"Today's situation is complicated because, while standing on the side of Ukraine in the interests of our national security, we Poles are also strong supporters of the closest possible alliance between Poland, Europe and the entire West with the United States," Tusk reminded.

He admitted that Washington is "not as unequivocal" about Ukraine as Warsaw.

The politician added that he would ask the allies to strengthen the EU's eastern flank: Finland, the Baltic states and Poland, so that there are more soldiers on the borders with Russia and Belarus.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, Donald Tusk called on European states to act now. He proposed a plan for Ukraine and Europe, which, in particular, involves the use of a new source of funding to help Kyiv.

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