Speaking on Friday, Tusk revealed that he had directed Poland's delegation heading into next week's NATO summit "to be careful with any declarations of further financial support from Poland." He was quick to clarify that this wasn't a reflection of doubt over Ukraine's needs. "Not because I think Ukraine does not need financial support," he said, "but because Poland has very large responsibilities regarding the entire eastern border of the European Union."

A Rift Rooted in Wartime History
Beyond the financial caution, Tusk also touched on a separate and more emotionally charged issue, a diplomatic falling-out tied to how history is remembered. He noted that he'd picked up on some encouraging signs from Ukrainian officials, who now seem to recognize that "the escalation of tension is harmful to the interests of Poland and Ukraine."

The root of the dispute goes back to late May, when Ukraine chose to honor a military unit with the title "Heroes of the UPA." The Ukrainian Insurgent Army, known as the UPA, holds a special place in Ukrainian memory as a symbol of anti-Soviet resistance and independence. In Poland, however, the same organization carries a very different legacy, one tied to the killing of roughly 100,000 Polish civilians across the Volhynia and Eastern Galicia regions during the 1940s.

In what appeared to be an attempt to calm things down, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski sat down with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andriy Sybiha, on Friday morning for talks widely viewed as a step toward easing the tension.

Tusk Calls for Honesty and Shared Effort Going Forward
According to Tusk, there are signs that Ukraine is starting to grasp the importance of confronting this difficult chapter of shared history openly. He said Ukrainian officials had shown an "awareness" that "it is worth looking for ways to have an honest conversation also about the past."

Still, he was careful not to paint too rosy a picture, acknowledging that genuine reconciliation would likely take considerable time. "But as you know, I am convinced that good Ukrainian-Polish relations are in mutual interest," he said.

At the same time, Tusk made clear that Poland shouldn't be expected to carry the burden of goodwill alone going forward. Resolving the issue, he said, will "require a good side from Kyiv," adding pointedly, "It can no longer be the case that only Warsaw will show good will all the time."