Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova issued the statement during a press briefing in Moscow, describing Tusk’s words as a “provocation and encouragement of terrorism.”

“Statements like these are irresponsible and dangerous,” Zakharova said. “They promote escalation, destabilize Europe, and encourage acts that could be classified as terrorism under international law.”

Her remarks followed Tusk’s recent comments during a press conference in Warsaw, where he argued that European states should “defend Ukraine’s right to self-defense including operations against those aiding Russia’s war machine.”

Moscow responded with outrage, accusing Poland of supporting militant actions against Russian interests and directly linking Warsaw to what it called “Western-sponsored sabotage,” including the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions, which Russia has repeatedly blamed on Western intelligence cooperation.

The diplomatic clash adds to already strained relations between the two countries. Poland has been one of Kyiv’s staunchest supporters since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, providing arms, logistical support, and refuge for millions of Ukrainian refugees.

Analysts warn that the latest exchange could further complicate European security dynamics, especially amid heightened Russian warnings against NATO involvement in Ukraine.

The European Union has not yet formally responded to Zakharova’s statement, though Brussels has previously backed Poland’s right to defend its national and regional security interests.

The upgrade will raise ties to Vietnam’s top-tier “strategic comprehensive partnership,” placing the UK alongside a select group of countries that includes China, Russia, the United States, and France Vietnam’s former colonial ruler.

The decision reflects growing efforts by both nations to strengthen economic and security cooperation amid shifting global trade dynamics. The UK has been expanding its diplomatic footprint in Southeast Asia following its exit from the European Union, while Vietnam continues to diversify its foreign relations to balance major power influences.

The meeting between Starmer and To Lam is expected to cover trade, investment, climate collaboration, and regional security issues, including stability in the South China Sea. The upgrade comes as London seeks to bolster its engagement with Indo-Pacific partners under its “Global Britain” strategy.

No official statement has yet been released by either government, but both sides are expected to announce the formal elevation of ties following the meeting.

In brief remarks before the closed-door meeting, President Trump said the situation in Ukraine would be a key topic, particularly as Russia signals mixed messages about the possibility of a negotiated settlement.

“We’re going to talk about a lot of things Ukraine being a very big one,” Trump said, without elaborating on whether any new policy measures or aid packages would be announced.

Poland has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest allies since the Russian invasion began in 2022, providing military support, humanitarian aid, and serving as a critical transit point for NATO assistance.

Federal Law Enforcement Surge Considered for New Orleans

President Trump also touched on domestic policy during his remarks, revealing that his administration is considering deploying additional federal officers to New Orleans as part of a crime-reduction initiative.

“We’re looking at New Orleans very seriously,” Trump told reporters. “We may need to send in more federal officers to deal with the crime problem there.”

The potential federal surge would mirror previous efforts under the Trump administration to address violent crime in other U.S. cities, a move that has often sparked debate over states’ rights and the role of federal law enforcement in local policing.

President Nawrocki did not comment publicly on the proposed crime crackdown but is expected to discuss Poland’s strategic cooperation with the U.S. and shared defense priorities during the meeting.