Poland and Ukraine have cemented their commitment to each other’s security by signing a new agreement on mutual assistance. The signing ceremony took place in Warsaw, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
During a joint press conference, the leaders detailed their discussions and began the meeting with a moment of silence for the victims of Monday’s Russian attack on Kyiv which killed dozens including children in a cancer hospital.
“The words are insufficient to condemn the aggressor,” Tusk remarked as he discussed the brutalities of the conflict. He stressed the importance of the newly signed document, the Security Cooperation Agreement between Poland and Ukraine, emphasizing that it was about real commitments, not empty promises.
“We will fulfill the provisions of this agreement with our allies. If this war ends badly, it would be a disaster not only for Ukraine but also for Poland, Europe, and the entire Western world,” Tusk said.
The Polish leader reassured that his country would do everything possible to assist Ukraine. In response, President Zelensky highlighted the “inevitable rebuilding of what Russian terrorists have destroyed” and promised accountability for those, including Putin, responsible for civilian attacks.
Zelensky thanked Poland for 44 military aid packages and described the Warsaw agreement as “very ambitious.”
“It will help us protect the lives of our citizens,” he added, noting that more such packages are expected this year.
The leaders agreed to establish and train a Ukrainian legion on Polish soil, a new volunteer force. Tusk also touched upon Ukraine’s path to NATO membership, acknowledging it was longer than Poland would prefer, but assured of ongoing persuasion of NATO allies to expedite Ukraine’s integration into the EU.
“We will also ensure that nothing about Ukraine is decided without Ukraine,” Tusk concluded, affirming continued Polish support for Ukraine.
