Poland’s President Reiterates Support for Ukraine and Prospects for EU and NATO Aid
President Andrzej Duda reaffirmed Poland’s readiness to back Ukraine in its ongoing defense against the Russian invasion and underscored Ukraine’s potential membership in the European Union. In an interview broadcast on Ukrainian television, the Polish leader stated that Ukraine could always count on Poland’s support as a fellow state seeking closer EU ties.
From the outset of the war, Poland has actively trained Ukrainian military personnel on its soil. The program has expanded across multiple domains, including recent training for tank crews and the operation of Krab howitzers, along with various other capabilities. Training has also extended to learning how to operate F-16 aircraft, demonstrating broad military collaboration. This information came from the interview with Duda published in Ukrainian on the Espreso TV platform.
In addressing the question of weapons aid, the president emphasized that Poland has been supplying arms since the early days of the conflict. He noted that Krab howitzers are being sent and kept ready for use within Poland, and he expressed hope that a service center for Leopard tanks would soon be established in collaboration with Germany, with talks underway to launch the center’s operations.
Among the weapons delivered, Duda highlighted ammunition, rifles, Krab howitzers, armored vehicles, more than 300 tanks, and MiG-29 aircraft. He stressed the ongoing and future support for Ukraine, stating, on record, that Poland will continue to provide assistance.
NATO Summit in Vilnius
Asked about potential concrete outcomes for Ukraine from the NATO summit planned for Vilnius, the president suggested that transforming the NATO-Ukraine Commission into a NATO-Ukraine Council would be a natural step. He described the council as a stronger mechanism that would enhance Ukraine’s capacity to mobilize NATO resources when needed. A strong proposal under consideration would allow Ukraine to request the council’s convening at any time, reinforcing the alliance’s flexibility in times of need.
Duda also shared his personal view that it would be ideal for NATO to extend a formal invitation for Ukraine to join the Alliance. He acknowledged the challenge in predicting how long Ukraine’s accession to the European Union might take but assured that Ukraine can rely on Poland’s steadfast support.
The president expressed a firm belief in the resilience and adaptability of Ukrainian society as it engages with the EU. He argued that the costs the EU may bear to help Ukraine rebuild would be worthwhile in the long run once Ukraine gains EU membership.
These sentiments were conveyed to the Espresso portal, reflecting a broad commitment to Ukraine’s security and future within European structures. He also stressed that Russia must not prevail in this conflict, praising the courage of the Ukrainian people and their defenders as deserving of the highest respect and support. The continuation of Russia’s aggression would only invite further expansion of its imperial aims, he warned, likening Russia to a dangerous force that should not be allowed to gain ground in Ukraine or neighboring regions. Such a scenario, he warned, could threaten Poland, the Baltic states, and other countries formerly within the Soviet sphere of influence.
In summary, the Polish president’s remarks articulated a clear stance: unwavering support for Ukraine’s defense and its potential future membership in the European Union, alongside a strategic push for stronger NATO coordination and a formal invitation to Ukraine to join the Alliance when appropriate. This stance emphasizes Ukrainian resilience and the strategic importance of European unity in addressing regional security challenges.
End of interview notes and reflections were provided by the Espreso portal, reflecting the ongoing council of discussions among partners and allies in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty.