Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have formalized a new bilateral security agreement, reinforcing their countries’ alliance against Russia.
On Monday, in Warsaw, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk signed a comprehensive bilateral security agreement aimed at enhancing military cooperation between Ukraine and Poland. This agreement marks a significant step in fortifying the partnership between Ukraine and one of its staunchest allies amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
The agreement outlines Poland’s commitment to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine, provided it does not compromise Poland’s own security. This support is part of a broader assistance package, which has seen Poland already deliver 44 military aid packages worth €4 billion to Ukraine. More aid is pledged for the coming years.
In addition to weapons, Poland will provide further training for Ukrainian forces and serve as a crucial logistics hub for the delivery of Western military aid. This logistical support has been pivotal for Kyiv, facilitating the continuous flow of resources through Polish territory.
Ukraine, in return, has committed to sharing battlefield intelligence and assisting in modernizing the Polish military. Zelenskyy’s office highlighted the practical aspects of the agreement, underscoring mutual commitments rather than mere promises.
This agreement brings the total number of Ukraine’s bilateral security deals to 21, with similar agreements including provisions for long-term military and financial aid, troop training, and weapons deliveries. However, these deals are not binding treaties and do not obligate the signatories to engage militarily on Ukraine’s behalf, posing potential challenges in their enforcement and longevity.
The pact with Poland includes several unique elements. Notably, Poland has agreed to promote the return of Ukrainian citizens from Poland to serve in the Ukrainian military. With over a million Ukrainian refugees currently residing in Poland, this provision aims to bolster Ukraine’s lacking defense personnel.
Additionally, Zelenskyy and Tusk have agreed to explore the possibility of intercepting Russian missiles and drones that cross into Polish airspace. Poland will also evaluate the delivery of a squadron of MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine on top of ten previously donated Soviet-era jets.
“I said very clearly: We will help, because your security is our security, but we will not do anything that will weaken our immediate security, that is, our capabilities. We are talking here about jet fighters and about armaments that are sometimes as necessary for Poland as for Ukraine,” Tusk stated.
The agreement serves as a testament to the deepening military cooperation between Ukraine and Poland cementing Poland’s role as one of the main Ukraine proponents in NATO and EU along with the US.
