Tusk: The Next 7–8 Months Will Be Crucial

• 29.08.2026, 9:17

Both for Poland and for the entire region.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that there are indications that Russia is making serious preparations for an escalation, and that the next seven to eight months could be crucial for the security of Ukraine, Poland, and the entire region.

The statement by the head of the Polish government is reported by “Ukrinform”.

The Polish prime minister was asked, in particular, about the recent visit of CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow. In response, Tusk stated that Poland is in constant contact with CIA leadership and was not taken by surprise by the information regarding Ratcliffe’s activities.

“We are in constant contact with the CIA leadership, so we are not surprised by any information regarding the actions and measures taken by the CIA director,” the Polish prime minister noted.

According to Tusk, when it comes to security matters, some information must remain confidential; however, this does not mean that the public should be deprived of information about the most serious threats.

He emphasized that the issue at hand is no longer limited to the CIA director’s visit to Moscow.

According to him, numerous public signals have emerged in recent weeks indicating that Russia is preparing for an escalation.

“It is well known that Russia is preparing very seriously for an escalation of tensions—both in the war with Ukraine and throughout the region—and that this fall and winter are set to be crucial for Russia,” Tusk emphasized.