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.

On October 6, the Administrative Cassation Court within the Supreme Court of Ukraine continued hearing case No. 990/80/25, in which the fifth President and leader of the party “European Solidarity”, Petro Poroshenko, seeks to have Presidential Decree No. 81/2025 from February 12, 2025 — enacting sanctions by the decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) — declared illegal and annulled. The plaintiff claims the document was falsified and that the sanctions are a tool of political persecution of the opposition, contrary to international norms. Government representatives deny the allegations and insist their actions were lawful. Journalists of Bukvy were present at the hearing.

Rinat Akhmetov’s Metinvest Group has completed the construction of an upgraded underground NATO Role 2 hospital in one of the hottest sectors of the frontline. This is the second stabilization point established under the Steel Front initiative in cooperation with the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The new facility, funded by Metinvest with an investment of UAH 21 million, is more secure than the first one thanks to its deeper location underground (over 6 meters) and additional fortifications.

Five armored vehicles “Kozak” have received a new mission – thanks to the support of Metinvest, they have been upgraded to full-fledged command and staff vehicles. These upgraded vehicles are now operating on the front line.

A kamikaze drone flies directly toward an armored personnel carrier. But instead of penetrating the hull, it explodes on a steel screen. The crew survives. This is the new reality for Ukrainian forces, who have received enhanced protection thanks to the Metinvest project within “Steel Front of Rinat Akhmetov”.

To commemorate the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “Bukvy” has compiled data on the largest donors supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among them there are charitable foundations and businesses. The list includes, in particular, foundations that provide assistance exclusively from their own resources, without fundraising (such as SCM by Rinat Akhmetov, Epicenter, etc.).