Speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday, Tusk said Europe could not accept anything that helped finance Russia’s war machine.
"These are decisions that depend not only on me, on Poland, but on the European Union," Tusk said.
"In my talks here, it is absolutely clear to all leaders that nothing that could help Putin and Russia wage this war will be acceptable to Europe," he added.
"I am also here to guarantee to you that this is the case," he told Zelensky.
Zelensky thanked Poland for standing by Ukraine, and Europe for deliveries of 20 mm ammunition, adding that some other matters still needed to be discussed between the two leaders.
"It is really very hard to defend our country against these massive attacks," Zelensky said. "We are grateful for that."
Zelensky, who flew to Brussels at the invitation of European Council President Antonio Costa, was due to brief EU leaders on Friday on Ukraine's winter needs, including stronger air defences and protection of energy infrastructure.
In a social media post, he called for "greater real pressure on Russia and stronger defence support for Ukraine."
Tusk had made a similar case on Monday after meeting Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, saying partners must be persuaded not only to keep sanctions but to strengthen them.
"Any attempt to loosen sanctions on Russia, to shorten the list of names, will only embolden the Russians," he said.
Ammunition and missiles
Ammunition for Ukraine’s defence against Russian drones is a pressing concern. NATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone told Ukraine's Ukrinform news agency last week the alliance was looking for stocks to send.
“I asked everyone how many [20 mm rounds] can be handed over to Ukraine immediately. Some countries are already handing them over," he was quoted as saying.
The Bloomberg news agency, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that Ukraine wants to buy tens of thousands of 20 mm rounds for its F-16 jets to shoot down Russian jet-powered drones.
It said about 150 rounds are needed on average to bring down one drone, implying daily demand of around 10,000.
Bloomberg also reported on Thursday that Britain was supplying more long-range Storm Shadow missiles to help Ukraine disrupt Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure before winter.
Its sources said the deliveries were discussed when Zelensky met British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in London on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Zelensky also met NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, French President Emmanuel Macron and Belgium’s King Philippe, among others.
On Friday, he was due to meet Costa, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen and the prime ministers of Hungary, Finland and Sweden.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP