High-level talks between Poland and Ukraine focused on military assistance, new sanctions against Russia, and the state of bilateral ties. Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba outlined the shared agenda, with Kułeba expressing gratitude for Poland’s leadership on sending Leopard 2 tanks and coordinating broader support for Kyiv. The Polish side highlighted the importance of a united approach in reinforcing Ukraine’s security and regional stability.
Kuleba’s note of gratitude to Poland
In a phone discussion, Rau and Kuleba covered the key topics shaping Polish-Ukrainian relations, defense support for Ukraine, and the prospect of additional sanctions against Russia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported the conversation via its official channels, underscoring ongoing cooperation between the two nations.
Updates were also shared through social media, where Kuleba thanked Poland for being the first to publicly announce the delivery of Leopard 2 tanks, framing it as a catalyst for a broader coalition to arm and defend Ukraine. He outlined new tasks alongside Western-type fighter support, comprehensive sanctions, and the implementation of a peace framework.
Additionally, Kuleba noted continued collaboration with Polish partners to strengthen connectivity between Ukraine and Poland, including efforts to expand passenger and freight links to enhance people-to-people and business exchanges. This focus on practical, everyday integration complements the security assistance being discussed at higher strategic levels.
– emphasized the Ukrainian diplomat.
The Ukrainian side likewise highlighted ongoing work with Poland to foster closer transport and logistical ties, aiming to ease travel and trade between the two countries as part of a broader regional stabilization effort. Kuleba’s remarks stressed that these steps are part of a long-term vision for a secure and interconnected border region.
Polish reception: a timely decision
The Polish Foreign Minister described Germany’s decision to deliver Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine as a timely and overdue move that will bolster Kyiv’s strategic efforts. The German government announced plans to transfer 14 Leopard 2A6 tanks from Bundeswehr stock in the initial phase and to issue permits allowing partner nations to contribute Leopards from their stocks as needed. Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit conveyed these points in a formal briefing.
During a press interaction in the Sejm, Rau assessed the German decision as a meaningful contribution to Ukraine’s security objectives and to the broader effort by the free world to support Ukraine. He suggested that broad international cooperation would help achieve a decisive strategic victory for Ukraine and its allies.
– comment from Rau.
READ MORE: Kyiv’s reaction to Leopards decision; a coalition forms and appreciation for the Chancellor’s stance are highlighted in subsequent reports.
Leopard 2: a broad coalition moves forward
Germany’s announcement set in motion expectations for a coalition approach to arming Ukraine. The plan includes the initial transfer of 14 Leopard 2A6 tanks and a framework for distributing Leopards from partner countries’ stockpiles to Ukraine. The official briefing from Berlin confirmed these steps, aligning with broader Western security aid discussions.
READ MORE: Germany’s pivotal decision. Berlin to supply tanks and enable partners to contribute Leopards from their own inventories.
Earlier remarks from January 11, President Andrzej Duda announced in Lviv that Poland had decided to transfer a company of Leopard 2 tanks (roughly 10–14) to Ukraine as part of building an international coalition. He emphasized the desire for an inclusive, international effort and coalition-building around the tank supply.
At Ramstein, a meeting of the Ukraine defense support contact group convened, but no direct German approval for Leopard transfers materialized during that session. Since Leopards are produced in Germany, permission from Berlin remains a prerequisite for transfers to non-NATO partners. This nuance continues to influence the pace and pattern of international assistance.
Leopard 2 tanks, manufactured by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, have a long service history dating back to the late 1970s. Today, they are in operation in several European nations, including Germany and Poland, and in non-NATO countries such as Sweden and Finland, reflecting their status as a cornerstone of European armored forces.
kk/PAP
Source: wPolityce