Zelensky visits Warsaw to discuss stronger defense ties amid Russian attacks

Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy/X

The latest Russian attacks on Ukraine and defense and security cooperation became key issues of discussion between the presidents of Ukraine and Poland as President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Warsaw on an official visit on Monday.  The two leaders discussed a range of measures to help bolster the safety measure for the Ukrainian people.

Stressing the strategic importance of their meeting, Zelensky said, “Defense cooperation and the needs of Ukraine’s armed forces are key priorities. We have spoken about the importance of the inaugural Peace Summit and the security agreement between Ukraine and Poland. We believe in a peaceful, strong Ukraine and a peaceful, strong Poland. The Ukrainian army is defending the security of Poland and all of Europe, and we are grateful for Poland’s assistance.”

The security agreement was signed by Zelensky and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk earlier that day. The new pact includes the development of a “mechanism” allowing the interception of enemy missiles and drones traveling toward Poland from Ukrainian airspace.

It also gives the green light to the formation of a “Ukrainian Legion,” a military unit that will be trained by Ukrainian military personnel in Poland. This new unit will be able to recruit Ukrainians residing in Poland and other European countries.

Defense industries have become a key area of cooperation. The new agreement will allow Polish military industries to open plants in Ukraine for joint military equipment production.

The military cooperation will also involve a greater role for the POLLOGHUB logistics center and the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian Brigade.