Poland has joined a new international coalition aimed at strengthening the air defense and missile defense capabilities of Ukraine and its allies against threats from Russia, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Friday.
''As of today, Poland is part of this important project,'' Tusk stated in a video posted on social media X, where he explained that Warsaw and the other members agreed on the modalities and framework for cooperation.
The announcement was made during a summit held in western Ukraine, attended by Tusk along with other regional leaders. The meeting is part of a new initiative led by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which brings together eight countries from the Carpathian region to deepen cooperation in security, trade, and defense.
Poland's inclusion adds to European efforts to develop its own air defense capabilities, in a context marked by Russian missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian territory.
Poland announced its joining a new coalition with Ukraine to develop a new anti-missile system
In July, Ukraine and nine other European countries announced the creation of a coalition aimed at jointly developing a new ballistic missile defense system. The project seeks to provide a more cost-effective alternative to the U.S. system Patriot and, at the same time, increase European capacity to respond to long-range attacks.
The initiative includes cooperation among participating countries to develop anti-missile technology and strengthen existing air defense capabilities. For Ukraine, which faces frequent attacks on cities and critical infrastructure, having additional systems is one of its main military priorities.
During a press conference following the summit, Tusk also announced that Poland is preparing a new ''significant'' aid package for Ukraine. The Prime Minister did not provide details about the contents of the shipment or specify when it would be delivered.
Tusk also reiterated his support for Ukraine in the conflict with Russia and stated that Warsaw will maintain a firm position against the Russian invasion.
''I will be very consistent on this. No one will change my opinion that Poland must support Ukraine in its war against Russian aggression,'' the leader asserted. He also stated that historical differences between the countries in the region should not prevent a common stance against Russia in the current scenario.
According to its sponsors, the new joint project represents the pursuit of a more cost-effective alternative to the U.S. ''Patriot'' system
The statements reflect the importance that the Polish government places on regional cooperation in security. Poland shares an extensive border with Ukraine and is among the European countries that have most strongly supported the strengthening of Ukrainian military capabilities since the beginning of the large-scale Russian invasion.
After meeting bilaterally with Tusk during the summit, Zelensky thanked Poland for the newly announced assistance package. The Ukrainian president highlighted the relationship between the two countries and presented defense cooperation as part of a regional alliance against the Russian threat.
''Ukraine and Poland are strong neighbors, friends, and partners, and we have a common enemy,'' Zelensky stated in a message posted on Telegram.
Donald Tusk announced a new aid package for Ukraine and the Ukrainian president thanked Warsaw for its support
