The prime minister of Poland issued a dire warning for Europe, saying the continent is in a "pre-war era" for the first time since the end of World War II, but that NATO allies are unprepared to meet the threat.
"I don't want to scare anyone, but war is no longer a concept from the past. It is real, and it started over two years ago. The most worrying thing at the moment is that literally any scenario is possible. We haven't seen a situation like this since 1945," Donald Tusk told German newspaper Die Welt in an interview published Friday.
"I know it sounds devastating, especially for the younger generation, but we have to get used to the fact that a new era has begun: the pre-war era. I'm not exaggerating; it's becoming clearer every day," he added.
Tusk's remarks counter Russian President Vladimir Putin's claims that Russia has no intention of moving military forces into Europe if it conquers Ukraine, calling such suggestions "drivel."
Putin has also said Russia would shoot down any F-16 fighters supplied to Ukraine by the U.S. and its Western allies.
At the same time, Moscow has ramped up its attacks on Ukraine, which it invaded in Feb. 2022, and a Russian missile entered Polish airspace last Sunday, prompting Warsaw to activate F-16 jet fighters.
Despite the warnings, Tusk said Europe is ill-prepared for war.
"We must be ready. Europe still has a long way to go," he said, noting that the countries must meet NATO targets on defense spending.
"Today we have to spend as much as we can to buy equipment and ammunition for Ukraine, because we are living in the most critical moment since the end of the Second World War," Tusk said. "The next two years will decide everything. If we cannot support Ukraine with enough equipment and ammunition, if Ukraine loses, no one in Europe will be able to feel safe."
And addressing the 2024 presidential election in the United States between President Joe Biden, who has backed Ukraine, and former President Donald Trump, who has suggested removing the U.S. from NATO, Tusk said Europe must face the threat no matter the result.
"Whether Joe Biden or Donald Trump wins the next election, it is Europe that needs to do more when it comes to defense," Tusk said.
