Ukraine’s Zelenskiy Hails Ties As Poland Vows Further Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited neighbouring Poland on Wednesday and thanked the country for its “historic” help, saying it should become a key partner in the vast reconstruction effort needed once Russia’s invasion ends.
Warsaw has positioned itself as one of Kyiv’s staunchest allies, playing a leading role in persuading sometimes reluctant allies to provide it with heavy weaponry, much of it supplied through Poland. On Wednesday, President Andrzej Duda said Poland would supply Ukraine with a total of 14 MiG-29 fighter jets.
“You have stood shoulder to shoulder with us, and we are grateful for it,” Zelenskiy said after receiving the Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest honour, from his Polish counterpart.
“I believe that these are historic relations, a historic result, and historic strength between our countries.”
Speaking later in front of crowds at Warsaw’s Royal Castle, where President Joe Biden promised “unwavering” U.S. support for Kyiv only weeks ago, Duda said Poland and other allies needed to provide more economic, military and humanitarian support.
“There is still a long way to go before the end of the war,” he said. “We owe it to the victims of aggression.”
Addressing the same supporters, many of whom waved Ukrainian flags, Zelenskiy predicted Poland would help form a coalition of Western powers to supply warplanes to Ukraine, just as it did with battle tanks.
“When the battle requires artillery, it should be provided. When victory needs tanks, their roar should be heard on the front lines,” he said. “Because this is a battle for freedom and it is impossible to win partially.”
Zelenskiy signed a letter of intent with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on the transfer of equipment including 150 Rosomak armoured vehicles to Ukraine during a meeting in which the two discussed solutions to ease problems stemming from Ukrainian grain entering European markets and pushing down prices.
“We have found a way out. I believe that in the coming days and weeks we will finally resolve all issues as there cannot be any questions, any complications between such close partners and real friends as Poland and Ukraine,” Zelenskiy said.
