Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed appreciation to Poland for the country’s assistance to Ukraine.
This came as Poland’s newly elected Prime Minister, Donald Tusk arrived in Kyiv on Monday for surprise talks with Zelenskyy.
Tusk also met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and attended a memorial service for Ukrainian soldiers who were killed in battle with Russia.
Poland has supported Kyiv militarily, while taking in the largest number of Ukrainian refugees since Russia launched its war on Ukraine in February 2022.
Zelenskyy noted that it was the first visit of Donald Tusk as Prime Minister to a country outside the EU.
During a meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with Donald Tusk in Kyiv, Zelenskyy thanked Poland and the entire Polish people for the support that helped Ukrainians withstand the full-scale Russian war.
“We highly appreciate that we were not left alone in this battle for Ukraine. We are together with many nations that have helped us and continue to do so. And the Polish people, the Polish state is one of our greatest helpers.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
At the same time, he noted that due to support for Ukraine, Poland’s freedom will definitely endure.
Zelenskyy disclosed that he and Donald Tusk discussed all aspects of bilateral relations. Special attention was paid to defense support.
“There is a new Polish defense package. We appreciate such unflagging support. There is a new form of our cooperation – aimed at a larger scale of arms purchases for Ukrainian needs – the Polish loan for Ukraine. Today, Mr. Prime Minister and I also discussed the possibilities of joint future arms production.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The two leaders discussed security commitments and Poland’s accession to the G7 Joint Declaration adopted in Vilnius.
The leaders also discussed the situation on the border between Ukraine and Poland. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of overcoming any problems together in the most pragmatic way possible for the sake of common interests.
Zelenskyy and Tusk paid attention to the issue of cooperation in the energy sector, the possibility of building up and enhancing energy potential.
“This includes the expansion of the relevant infrastructure of energy ties between Ukraine and Poland, and our government officials will elaborate on all this,” Zelenskyy said.
Furthermore, the Ukrainian President and the Polish Prime Minister discussed Ukraine’s course towards the European Union, particularly the exchange of experience in interaction with European institutions.
In addition, Zelenskyy invited Polish business to contribute to the country’s recovery after hostilities.
“We share full understanding with Mr. Prime Minister on such cooperation and support of Ukrainian and Polish businesses. Together we will be free – Ukraine and Poland,” he said.
Tusk Pledges Ongoing Support For Ukraine
On his part, Donald Tusk noted that all political forces in Poland share the belief that Ukraine needs to be supported in its fight against Russian aggression by all available means.
He disclosed that Poland will try to help in all aspects of the EU accession process so that Ukraine’s full membership in the European Union becomes “a fact as soon as possible.”
“We will also cooperate in all other formats, so I have informed Mr. President that Poland has acceded today to the G7 Joint Declaration adopted at the NATO Summit in Vilnius,” the Polish Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of Ukrainian-Polish business projects, as well as joint investment in the production of weapons and ammunition.
He divulged that Poland plans to take part in Ukraine’s recovery and the Polish government will appoint a commissioner responsible for this issue.
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